LONDON — Ryan Giggs demonstrated his enduring value to Manchester United with the opening goal in a 2-0 home win over Everton Sunday that put his side almost out of sight in the title race. The 39-year-old Welshman slotted his side in front after 13 minutes to continue his extraordinary feat of having scored in every Premier League season since its inception 21 years ago. Robin van Persie was also on target for United before halftime as the leader took full advantage of champion Manchester City's shock 3-1 defeat at Southampton Saturday. With 12 games remaining Alex Ferguson's side has 65 points, 12 more than City, and is closing in on a 20th league title. At the other end of the table, Aston Villa claimed a vital 2-1 home victory over West Ham United to move out of the bottom three, Christian Benteke and Charles N'Zogbia the scorers. On Saturday, Manchester City's hopes of retaining the Premier League title suffered another major blow as the champion crashed to a shock 3-1 defeat against Southampton. Roberto Mancini's side desperately needed a victory at St Mary's to keep the pressure on leader Manchester United, but instead it slumped to its third league defeat of the season after delivering a lackluster display. Jason Puncheon and Steven Davis put Saints 2-0 ahead by the 22nd minute and, although Edin Dzeko got one back before the break, a Gareth Barry own goal early in the second half sealed City's fate. Mali collects bronze In South Africa, Mali finished third a second consecutive time at the Africa Cup of Nations by defeating Ghana 3-1 Saturday at rain-drenched Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. Mahamadou Samassa and Seydou Keita gave Mali a two-goal advantage early in the second half, Kwadwo Asamoah scored a soft late goal to set up a tense finish but substitute Sigamary Diarra put the result beyond doubt in stoppage time. It was the second successive tournament in which the Black Stars of Ghana defeated the Eagles of Mali in the mini-league first phase of the tournament only to lose out when they met a second time with the bronze medals at stake. Victory in a possible Africa Cup farewell for 33-year-old Keita brought a happy end to the week for Mali after a 4-1 semifinal drubbing from Nigeria. — Agencies
