Football news round-up

26/04/2010 12:14:57

Chelsea returned to the top of the Premier League with only two matches to go as they crushed Stoke City 7-0 at Stamford Bridge. A hat-trick from Salomon Kalou, two goals from Frank Lampard (taking his tally to 25 for the season) and goals from Daniel Sturridge and Florent Malouda leave Chelsea one point ahead of Manchester United and with a far superior goal difference. They could even clinch the title next Sunday if they win at Liverpool and United fail to beat Sunderland at the Stadium of Light later in the day. Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti said: “The most important thing is the destiny is in our own hands.”

Stoke fear Danish goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen could not only miss the rest of the season after injuring his elbow against Chelsea but could even miss the World Cup. “We’re hoping they can pop the elbow back in and he won’t need an operation but if he needs surgery he could struggle for the World Cup,” said manager Tony Pulis.

Burnley have been relegated from the Premier League after losing 4-0 at home to Liverpool. Two goals from Steven Gerrard were the key with Maxi Rodriguez and Ryan Babel also scoring. The result also does Liverpool’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League a power of good – and manager Rafa Benitez believes it will revitalise England star Gerrard too. He said: “Stevie needed to score, it was good for him and the team.” Burnley boss Brian Laws has vowed his team will be back in the Premiership one day. He said: “We’ll take stock and hopefully do a West Brom and bounce straight back.”

Burnley chairman Barry Kilby says he will hold talks with manager Brian Laws over his future. He said; "We'll sit down with Brian in the summer, he didn't have a great hand given to him when he arrived half way through the wseason, and we'll sit down, talk about our plans for the future and see where we go from there.”

A hotly disputed late penalty from James Milner saw Aston Villa beat local rivals Birmingham 1-0 and move level on points with fourth placed Tottenham.

Everton came from behind to beat Fulham 2-1 at Goodison Park. Mikel Arteta's late penalty and a goal from Victor Anichebe cancelled out Erik Nevland's opener.

Rangers have been crowned champions in Scotland after beating Hibernian 1-0 with a goal from Kyle Lafferty at Easter Road.