Soccer-Just another unforgettable day for the Premier League

By Mitch Phillips

LONDON, April 11 (Reuters) - Few would argue with the Premier League's claim to host the most exciting soccer in the world after Saturday's nerve-shredding and emotional action.

It began with a moving tribute to the victims of the Hillsborough disaster and ended seven hours later with temporary manager Alan Shearer praying Newcastle United's late equaliser at Stoke City would launch a successful bid to avoid relegation.

In between, champions Manchester United looked set to be overhauled at the top of the table only for teenager Federico Macheda to save them for the second week running with the goal that secured a 2-1 win at Sunderland.

Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink was given a stark reminder of the strength in depth of the league when he saw his side cruise to a 4-0 lead over Bolton Wanderers but then concede three goals in nine minutes and end the game hanging on.

Next Wednesday is the 20th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster, when 96 Liverpool fans were crushed to death at an FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest.

The occasion was marked by a minute's silence at Anfield, with Blackburn Rovers' former Liverpool player Stephen Warnock laying a wreath, to thunderous and tearful applause from The Kop.

Fernando Torres then lifted the mood with a superb goal after five minutes when he chested down a long ball and smashed it into the top corner.

Torres added a second as Liverpool ran out easy 4-0 winners and they looked set to end the day top of the table as United found Sunderland far more difficult opposition.