Read more about Match Reports.
Portsmouth 3-1 Sunderland
Match Reports, 22:04, May 18, 2009 ,
Sunderland slumped to a 3-1 defeat at Portsmouth to leave their chances of staying in the Premier League in the balance.
The Black Cats could still be relegated on Sunday if they lose to Chelsea and other results go against them after goals from John Utaka, Armand Traore and a Phil Bardsley own goal gave Pompey the win at Fratton Park.
Sunderland started confidently but Portsmouth almost went in front after just four minutes when Peter Crouch's header came back off the inside of the post.
The Black Cats should have been in front soon after, however, but Asmir Begovic, making his Portsmouth debut in place of the injured David James, made two fine saves in the space of a few seconds. First Dean Whitehead's effort was turned away before Steed Malbranque fired a weak shot straight at the keeper after Pompey failed to clear.
A scrappy spell followed before Kenwyne Jones' header came back off the post four minutes before the break as Ricky Sbragia's men looked for the breakthrough before the break.
Pompey began the second half in a more attacking mode but, despite winning several corners, they failed to trouble Marton Fulop in the Sunderland goal and it was the visitors who took the lead just before the hour mark.
Calum Davenport's brilliant cross from the right was stabbed home by Jones and the Black Cats thought they were closing in on the win that would guarantee them their Premier League place for another season.
Their lead lasted barely two minutes, however, as Utaka equalised in controversial fashion for the home side. Referee Alan Wiley appeared to whistle for a hand ball just before the striker slotted home but the goal stood and Pompey were level.
It got worse for the Black Cats seven minutes later when Bardsley put through his own net after an awful error from Anton Ferdinand had let Utaka in.
The visitors rallied in search of an equaliser with Jones and Djibril Cisse wasting good chances but Armand Traore wrapped up the win with two minutes to go, firing a low shot into the bottom corner.
Sunderland remain two points clear of the drop-zone and face a nervous final day to see if they can remain in the top flight.