England round-up: Arsenal loss hands United title

Manchester United FC were crowned English Premiership champions for the eighth time in eleven years as Arsenal FC were beaten 3-2 by Leeds United AFC at Highbury to end their title bid.

Victory needed
United had moved eight points clear on Saturday with a 4-1 victory against Charlton Athletic FC to leave Arsenal needing to win all their three remaining games to have any chance of holding on to their title. But Leeds secured the game in dramatic fashion to leave themselves all but safe from relegation.

'They never gave up'
After hearing the result, United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, whose team trailed by eight points at one stage, said: "With the amount of injuries we have had to overcome it has been just sensational. It is the greatest achievement by my team who showed perseverence and determination - they never gave up."

Spectacular goal
Leeds first gave themselves hope of the victory that would all but mathematically secure their top-flight status when Harry Kewell scored a spectacular half-volley in the fifth minute.

Arsenal equalise
However, Arsenal drew level on the half-hour when Thierry Henry pounced after Ray Parlour's long-range effort had been tipped on to the woodwork by Leeds goalkeeper Paul Robinson. Sylvain Wiltord seemed to have put Arsenal ahead four minutes later, but his effort was ruled out for offside.

Bergkamp scores
Four minutes into the second period, Ian Harte put Leeds back in front when his free-kick bounced past David Seaman. Dennis Bergkamp gave Arsenal hope with 27 minutes left as Henry and Robert Pires combined to set him up to equalise.

Dramatic winner
But it was Leeds who secured the winner, as with just two minutes remaining Mark Viduka's curling effort from outside the area kept his side up and ended the title race.

'We gave everything'
Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger said following the final whistle: "We had the right attitude and we gave everything today but we came up a bit short. Defensive instability - we paid for that."

Eight-point gap
The result means Wenger's side cannot catch United with only two games left to play, but can still end the season with silverware when they take on Southampton FC in the FA Cup final on 17 May in Cardiff.

Leeds clear
Meanwhile, Leeds are now three points ahead of relegation rivals Bolton Wanderers FC and West Ham United FC, but hold a vastly superior goal difference with only one match to come for all three next Sunday.

Captain's tribute
Leeds captain Dominic Matteo said: "I thought the lads battled unbelievably, we knew how important it was to the club. Everybody got together and battled for the club. It just shows what we can do."