TheCable

Manchester United fell to a 1-0 defeat at Old Trafford to West Bromwich Albion on Saturday in the Barclays Premier League. 

Robin van Persie missed a penalty after Jonas Olsson inadvertently deflected in Chris Brunt’s free-kick.

At Anfield, Steven Gerrard scored one and missed a penalty as Liverpool maintained their slim top four chances with a 2-1 win over QPR.

Phillipe Coutinho opened the scoring in the first half, but Leroy Fer equalised with just under 20 minutes remaining.

Gerrard then had a penalty saved before Hoops’ defender Nedum Onouha was sent off for two bookable offences.

The Liverpool captain then redeemed himself with a fine header three minutes from time.

At the Stadium of Light, two Jordi Gomez penalties kept Sunderland’s survival hopes alive with a 2-1 win over Southampton.

Gomez buried his first spot-kick after 21 minutes when Jose Fonte brought down Danny Graham in the box. But Sadio Mane capitalised on a defensive mix up to equalise for the visitors almost immediately.

James Ward-Prowse was then sent off for a foul on Jermain Defoe, resulting in a second penalty after the break which Gomez converted to earn a vital three points.

Aston Villa’s resurgent under Tim Sherwood continued with a 3-2 win over Everton at Villa Park.

Christian Benteke scored twice in the first half to put the hosts 2-0 up at half time before Romelu Lukaku pulled a goal back from the spot on the hour mark.

Tom Cleverly scored Villa’s third and, despite Phil Jagielka’s late header, the hosts held on to reach 35 points with three league matches remaining.

Burnley remain rooted to the foot of the table after Mark Noble’s first-half penalty gave West Ham a 1-0 victory at Upton Park.

At the Liberty Stadium, goals from Jefferson Montero and Ki Sung-yueng gave Swansea a 2-0 victory over Stoke City.