Striker Javier Hernandez's late goal helps Man Utd down Everton 1-0
Striker Javier Hernandez's late goal helps Man Utd down Everton 1-0u00a0 Manchester United moved nine points clear at the top of the Premier League as Javier Hernandez's late goal clinched a crucial 1-0 win over Everton on Saturday.
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| Manchester United's Wayne Rooney (right) shoots wide under pressure from Everton's Phil Jagielka during an EPL match in Manchester on Saturday. PIC/AFP |
Sir Alex Ferguson's side found it tough to break down a resolute Everton defence and looked in danger of dropping two points at Old Trafford, but Mexican striker Hernandez ended the stalemate with a close-range header seven minutes from full-time.
Hernandez's winner piles the pressure back onto title rivals Chelsea and Arsenal, who both trail United by nine points.
With a Champions League semi-final first leg clash against Schalke looming on Tuesday, Ferguson rested Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra, Ryan Giggs and Michael Carrick. United still dominated the first half.
United were struggling to breach Everton's defence. But they finally made the breakthrough in the 83rd minute when Antonio Valencia's cross to the far post was headed in by Hernandez from virtually on the goal-line.
Five-star Liverpool Meanwhile, Liverpool demolished Birmingham 5-0 at Anfield. Maxi Rodriguez scored his first hat-trick for the club, Dirk Kuyt hit his seventh goal in six Premier League matches and substitute Joe Cole added a late fifth.
