Fulham manager Martin Jol admitted Rooney had been the difference in a closely fought game that was much more evenly balanced than their FA Cup meeting. PHOTO: REUTERS
Rooney’s 79th minute goal – his fourth in three games – was enough to secure victory at Fulham and consolidate the position of the league leaders.
“We’re in a good position, but we’re not going to get carried away,” said Rooney. “We’ve got to keep going, take each game as it comes, and see where we are with three or four to go.”
United manager Alex Ferguson also played down his side’s position.
“It’s a good result,” said Ferguson. “It was a smashing game. We’re in a good position, we’re pleased.”
Chelsea reel with second loss in a week
Meanwhile, faltering European champions Chelsea suffered their second late collapse this week, going down 3-2 at Newcastle United having led 2-1 with goals from Frank Lampard and Juan Mata.
Newcastle’s Moussa Sissoko equalised and then capped a superb home debut with a last-minute winner.
Benitez said his side should have been awarded a penalty and the hosts reduced to 10 men after striker Demba Ba, signed from Newcastle last month, was left bloodied by a clash with Fabricio Coloccini after trying to turn in a rebound before halftime.
“It was a penalty and a red card,” Benitez told Sky Sports, saying Ba, suffered a broken nose due to the incident.
Meanwhile, Hotspur lost Jermain Defoe to injury but won 1-0 at West Brom through a fine Gareth Bale goal to bolster their push for Champions League qualification yesterday.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 4th, 2013.
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