West Ham are out of the Premier League's drop zone once again after another afternoon of shocks and late goals.
With United having risen to 15th as a result of the draw at Tottenham this lunchtime, all eyes were on the other games involving teams in or around the relegation zone.It was a mixed afternoon all in all but thanks to two late goals at the DW Stadium and Ewood Park, the Irons' prospects or survival are looking slightly better than they were this morning.
The first of those two goals went to Wigan who grabbed a 2-1 victory against fellow-strugglers Birmingham courtesy of Maynor Figueroa's stoppage-time winner. Meanwhile Blackburn, in freefall in recent weeks just managed to eke out a point at home to lowly Blackpool with another injury time goal; this one coming from David Hoilett.
However news wasn't so good from The Hawthorns or Villa Park; West Brom maanged to hold on for a point at home to Arsenal (despite blowing an early two-goal lead) whilst Wolves pulled off a major shock beating local rivals Aston Villa 1-0 at Villa Park - a game preceeded by anti-Houllier protests by some Villa fans.
So close is the current table that West Ham remained in the relegation zone until Figueroa grabbed his 93rd minute winner, bringing Carling Cup winners Birmingham back into the drop zone. Blackburn rose from a potential 17th to 13th place as a result of their late equaliser.
Tight as a gnat's chuff: Premier League standings
13. Blackburn 30-33 -12
14. Aston Villa 30-33 -14
15. Blackpool 30-33 -15
16. West Brom 30-33 -15
17. West Ham Utd 30-32 -13
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18. Wolves 30-32 -14
19. Birmingham 30-31 -13
20. Wigan Ath 30-30 -22
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