Sunderland defeat leaves them in danger

Sunderland face an anxious final day of the Premier League season after a 3-1 defeat at Portsmouth Monday left them in serious danger of relegation.

Needing a win to guarantee their safety, Sunderland went ahead through Kenwyne Jones just before the hour mark but Portsmouth hit back immediately through John Utaka.

A terrible mistake by Anton Ferdinand let in Utaka after 68 minutes resulting in an own goal by defender Phil Bardsley who was attempting to clear.

Armand Traore added a third for Portsmouth late on to leave Sunderland, who are at home to Chelsea Sunday, just two points above Newcastle United and with a marginally worse goal difference.

Newcastle, who are third from bottom, have 34 points with Hull City above them on 35 and Sunderland on 36, setting up a nail biting finale to the season.

Defeat at Aston Villa would relegate Newcastle although they would survive if they draw and Hull lose at home to champions Manchester United [ Images ] who are set to field a weakened side as they prepare for next week's Champions League [ Images ] final.

West Bromwich Albion are definitely down while Middlesbrough, who have 32 points, need to beat West Ham United comfortably and hope that Hull and Newcastle both lose.