English Premier League: Ferguson hopeful of beating City to the title

United manager wants team to kick on after 4-1 win over Wolves.

MANCHESTER: Sir Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United can beat Manchester City to the Premier League title, although he felt that a lot depended on his team’s position at the turn of the year.

United responded to their Champions League exit with a resounding 4-1 win over Wolves that moved them to within two points of City. Ferguson hoped the win would put pressure on the league leaders.

“I hope the win over Wolves puts City under pressure, but the important thing is to have our game right and if we get to New Year’s Day in the right frame, we’ve got a great chance in the second half of the season,” said Ferguson.

Both Nani and Wayne Rooney scored two goals each to set up the win.

Wenger eyes City clash

Arsene Wenger believes next weekend’s match against City will prove the strength of Arsenal’s title credentials. The Gunners have mounted a challenge after going eight league matches unbeaten, the latest win coming when Robin van Persie scored in a 1-0 win over Everton on Arsenal’s 125th birthday.

Wenger is impressed with Arsenal’s progress following a poor start to the season. “The spirit is there, the focus is there,” he said. “It was a historic day and it’s not easy to keep the focus. Next Sunday against City is a big test for us.”

Dalglish wants Suarez to savour win

Kenny Dalglish saluted Luis Suarez after the striker ended a testing week with the winner in a 1-0 victory over QPR.

Suarez was charged for bringing the game into disrepute after an alleged obscene gesture towards Fulham supporters at the end of Liverpool’s match last week. “There will be nice headlines for him now,” said Dalglish. “He scored with a header and played really well.” Elsewhere, Norwich beat Newcastle 4-2 and Aston Villa edged out Bolton 2-1. Swansea defeated Fulham 2-0, while Wigan outplayed West Brom 2-1.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 12^th, 2011.