English Premier League: Ferguson furious with referee as United lose

Manager not pleased with team’s show as Spurs register 3-2 win at Old Trafford.

LONDON: Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was furious with referee Chris Foy for only playing four minutes of injury time as his side went down to Tottenham Hotspurs 3-2 at Old Trafford.

“Four minutes of added time is an insult to the game. It’s a disgrace,” he told the BBC. “There were six substitutions and the trainer came on. That is four minutes right away.

“Their goal-keeper must have wasted two minutes. They took their time at every goal kick. That is obvious to everyone.”

Spurs’ first victory at Old Trafford since December 1989 saw them go two goals in front twice, with the teams sharing three goals in as many minutes during a frantic spell before the hour mark. United’s first home league defeat in 2012 meant Ferguson’s side ended in third place – four points behind leaders Chelsea – while Tottenham climbed to fifth.

The veteran manager, however, admitted that United had not helped themselves early on.

“It was a poor start to the game and they got a little break with a deflected goal. We really defended poorly. From there we were playing against the wind.”

Delighted Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas urged his side to build on this result.

“You have to give compliments to everybody on a special night like this but it doesn’t stop here, we have so many important games to play,” said the Portuguese boss.

Rodgers heaps praise on ‘outstanding’ Liverpool

Brendan Rodgers was ecstatic as he enjoyed his first Premier League win as Liverpool manager, with Luis Suarez scoring his second hat-trick in as many seasons at Carrow Road during a 5-2 win at Norwich that took the Reds out of the bottom three.

“The team was outstanding,” said Rodgers. “I’m not surprised because in a lot of our games we have played  well and created a host of chances.”

Meanwhile, Nikica Jelavic scored twice for Everton after Southampton went 1-0 up through record signing Gaston Ramirez’s first goal for the club.

“If I had paid to watch that then I would have been pleased,” said Everton manager David Moyes.

‘Worried’ Mancini relieved with City win

Roberto Mancini was a relieved man as reigning champions Manchester City came from behind to win 2-1 at Fulham, with substitute Edin Dzeko scoring the winner three minutes from time.

“I was worried because we continued to play well and  created chances, but didn’t score [the second goal] for 87 minutes,” said City boss Roberto Mancini.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 1^st, 2012.