United outplayed, admits Ferguson
Manager disappointed after team’s 1-0 loss at Norwich.
NORWICH:
Sir Alex Ferguson acknowledged his Manchester United side had been out-fought in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Norwich City.
The result, coupled with a 5-0 victory for Manchester City at home to Aston Villa earlier in the day, meant United ended in second place in the Premier League table.
A goal from Anthony Pilkington – a former United youth player – on the hour mark sealed a remarkable win for the hard-working Norwich.
“It’s disappointing,” said Ferguson. “You have to give credit to Norwich. They battled all over the pitch and defended fantastically well. They deserved the win just because they worked so hard for it.”
United had fallen behind on a number of previous occasions this season but had always come back to secure at least a point, and more often than not a victory. Not on this occasion, however.
“The players we have got are used to making comebacks and in matches we are always a threat. But they defended really well and the goal-keeper made two or three really good saves.”
Norwich manager Chris Hughton insisted the win was their biggest among the previous few victories.
“It’s our best result of the season simply because it’s Manchester United,” he said. “They tested us more than anybody but we were resilient enough.”
Mancini plays down City’s 5-0 win
Meanwhile, Roberto Mancini believes Manchester City’s 5-0 thrashing of Aston Villa will count for nothing when they host Real Madrid in the Champions League.
City continued their unbeaten start to the defence of their Premier League title with their most emphatic display of the season at Eastlands on Saturday.
But Mancini admits facing the Spanish champions on Wednesday will be a far tougher proposition than the feeble challenge provided by struggling Villa.
“They are two different competitions and on Wednesday we play against one of the best teams in the world with a fantastic history,” he said.
City’s frontmen have now scored 13 times in the league this term and Mancini hopes that can spark a goal rush for the rest of the campaign.
Di Matteo alludes to changing strategy
Roberto Di Matteo has hinted strongly that Chelsea may abandon their attacking style in favour of a more defensive mentality after their 2-1 loss at West Brom.
The Chelsea coach is concerned by his team’s slump in form after seeing the European champions take just two points from four games and relinquish top spot in the Premier League.
“We have played differently this season, but we might have to go a little bit tighter and make sure we don’t concede,” he said.
“We will look at the set-up of the team and maybe sacrifice a little of the attacking options.”
In other matches, Southampton won 3-1 at Queens Park Rangers while in-form Luis Suarez took his tally for the season to 10 league goals with a brace as Liverpool beat Wigan 3-0. Elsewhere, Reading thrashed Everton 2-1 and Newcastle lost 1-2 to Swansea City.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 19th, 2012.
Sir Alex Ferguson acknowledged his Manchester United side had been out-fought in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Norwich City.
The result, coupled with a 5-0 victory for Manchester City at home to Aston Villa earlier in the day, meant United ended in second place in the Premier League table.
A goal from Anthony Pilkington – a former United youth player – on the hour mark sealed a remarkable win for the hard-working Norwich.
“It’s disappointing,” said Ferguson. “You have to give credit to Norwich. They battled all over the pitch and defended fantastically well. They deserved the win just because they worked so hard for it.”
United had fallen behind on a number of previous occasions this season but had always come back to secure at least a point, and more often than not a victory. Not on this occasion, however.
“The players we have got are used to making comebacks and in matches we are always a threat. But they defended really well and the goal-keeper made two or three really good saves.”
Norwich manager Chris Hughton insisted the win was their biggest among the previous few victories.
“It’s our best result of the season simply because it’s Manchester United,” he said. “They tested us more than anybody but we were resilient enough.”
Mancini plays down City’s 5-0 win
Meanwhile, Roberto Mancini believes Manchester City’s 5-0 thrashing of Aston Villa will count for nothing when they host Real Madrid in the Champions League.
City continued their unbeaten start to the defence of their Premier League title with their most emphatic display of the season at Eastlands on Saturday.
But Mancini admits facing the Spanish champions on Wednesday will be a far tougher proposition than the feeble challenge provided by struggling Villa.
“They are two different competitions and on Wednesday we play against one of the best teams in the world with a fantastic history,” he said.
City’s frontmen have now scored 13 times in the league this term and Mancini hopes that can spark a goal rush for the rest of the campaign.
Di Matteo alludes to changing strategy
Roberto Di Matteo has hinted strongly that Chelsea may abandon their attacking style in favour of a more defensive mentality after their 2-1 loss at West Brom.
The Chelsea coach is concerned by his team’s slump in form after seeing the European champions take just two points from four games and relinquish top spot in the Premier League.
“We have played differently this season, but we might have to go a little bit tighter and make sure we don’t concede,” he said.
“We will look at the set-up of the team and maybe sacrifice a little of the attacking options.”
In other matches, Southampton won 3-1 at Queens Park Rangers while in-form Luis Suarez took his tally for the season to 10 league goals with a brace as Liverpool beat Wigan 3-0. Elsewhere, Reading thrashed Everton 2-1 and Newcastle lost 1-2 to Swansea City.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 19th, 2012.