• Premier League

Ferguson hails 'massive result' in race for title

ESPN staff
March 4, 2012
Sir Alex Ferguson breathed a sigh of relief after victory at Tottenham © PA Photos
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Sir Alex Ferguson admitted Manchester United were fortunate to take three points away from White Hart Lane after the champions beat Tottenham 3-1.

Wayne Rooney's header gave United the lead against the run of play before Ashley Young's brace helped his side close the gap on Premier League leaders Manchester City.

Emmanuel Adebayor had a goal disallowed for handball with the score still goalless, and Ferguson admitted he got his tactics wrong in the first half, but praised his side for grinding out a "massive result" to move within two points of City.

"It was a great performance by Tottenham and maybe we got our tactics wrong in the first half," Ferguson told Sky Sports. "In the second half we improved, we told them at half-time to get pushed up on their back four and not let them build up their play. After the second goal we played very well.

"We had a bit of luck, and we scored right on half-time with our first shot on goal. Tottenham are a very good team and this is only their second defeat at home since the start of the season. It was a massive result and a massive performance from our defenders."

With the Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium on April 30 likely to decide the destination of the title, Ferguson predicted both United and City would drop points in the run-in to the season.

"We know exactly what we have to do," Ferguson said. "You can drop surprise points and I think both sides will, but the important thing is to drop less points than our opponents. A battling performance today tells you that we are up for it."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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