Manchester United Football Club

With Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand outstanding in the centre of defence, aided and abetted by full-backs Rafael and Patrice Evra, plus defensive midfielder Michael Carrick, Edwin van der Sar scarcely had a shot to save. Sir Alex Ferguson was highly satisfied to depart White Hart Lane with a valuable point, and quickly heaped praise on the manner with which his side kept Tottenham at arm’s length throughout. “It was a tough game,” Sir Alex told Sky Sports. “ Tottenham are in great form but they really didn’t make many chances against us. We take credit for that. I thought our defenders were particularly good. Defensively we kept our nerve. “They never really troubled us. Considering the goals they’ve scored, at home particularly, and the performances they’ve shown at home, I think we can take real credit for that. “I thought we were a bit careless with our use of the ball, particularly in the period just before half-time and in periods of the second half, but it’s a ...

Premier League Roberto Mancini’s men made hard work of victory (City led 4-1 with 24 minutes to play) but now top the table by a point. The Reds’ superior goal difference, however, means any point gained at Tottenham on Sunday would send United back into pole position. Manchester City, who have played three more games than Sir Alex’s men, edged to the summit on Saturday with a 4-3 win over Wolves. Meanwhile, Arsenal beat West Ham 3-0 in the late kick-off to move to within a point of the Reds (the Gunners have played two games more). Elsewhere on Saturday, Chelsea won for only the second time in 10 league games. The Londoners required two second-half goals – both came from corners – to see off Blackburn Rovers and climb to fourth in the table. Stoke City beat Bolton 2-0, West Bromwich Albion left it late to beat Blackpool 3-2 in a thrilling game at The Hawthorns and Fulham clinched a late draw at Wigan.