Ferguson saw his team draw level with City on points after an emphatic 5-0 victory over Wigan. It marked a remarkable recovery for United who trailed City by five points as recently as December 10. Now, following consecutive 5-0 victories, all that separates United from the current league leaders are five goals.
“If we get to New Year’s Day on top, or joint-top with City, then I’ll be happy,” said Ferguson. “I’ve been saying for a few weeks that somebody was going to suffer against us and we’ve hit really good form now.
“The clean sheet was a good part of the game for us. But the injuries are mounting too – Phil Jones was down ill, Chris Smalling was ill, Rio Ferdinand had a back injury and Jonny Evans came off injured at half-time.”
Despite all their injury concerns, United were in dominant form against Wigan, with Dimitar Berbatov starting just his second league game of the season, claiming a hat-trick.
Mancini rues schedule
Meanwhile, Roberto Mancini was left ruing Manchester City’s Christmas fixture schedule after being held to a 0-0 draw at West Brom.
But it was not the fact his team had allowed their lead at the top to slip, which infuriated manager Mancini, as he instead lashed out at the scheduling of their calendar.
“I’m not happy with this situation,” he said. “To have just two days when everyone else is having at least three days isn’t right. To play twice in 48 hours will make a difference in the run of fixtures we’re currently in. I think United will win their next game against Blackburn. It’s more difficult for us going away to Sunderland and then having to play within 48 hours again.”
Chelsea’s title hopes in tatters: Villas-Boas
Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas conceded that his side’s title hopes suffered a severe blow after the Blues drew 1-1 with Fulham.
Villas-Boas’ team have now drawn their last three games with the results against Wigan and Fulham being regarded as major disappointments.
“It’s pretty difficult,” said Villas-Boas when asked about his team’s chances of closing the gap. “If we had a good December, we would’ve had a chance. It’ll be very difficult for us to win now.”
Elsewhere, Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish admitted that his players need to believe in themselves more after their ambitions of securing a top-four finish were dented by a 1-1 draw with Blackburn.
“We need more belief in ourselves and maybe a goal-keeper coming here and having a nightmare,” said Dalglish.
In other matches, Newcastle beat Bolton 2-0, while Stoke and Aston Villa drew 0-0. Sunderland and Everton drew their match 1-1.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 28th, 2011.
1714024018-0/ModiLara-(1)1714024018-0-270x192.webp)
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ