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Ferguson dismisses Arsenal and Spurs chances

Closed shop: Sir Alex Ferguson feels the tittle is a three-way battle © PA Photos

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Sir Alex Ferguson has dismissed the Premier League credentials of Arsenal and Tottenham, insisting this season's title is a three-horse race between Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City.

In a bid to emphasise the importance of United's clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, Ferguson warned his team that they need to maintain the pace with the league leaders to avoid playing catch-up all season.

The United boss claims that the standard set by the top three early on is so high that it is unlikely Everton, Arsenal and Spurs could make a surge for the title.

"I think Chelsea, Manchester City and ourselves seem to be creating that little gap from the rest," Ferguson said. "It's difficult to be dead certain but I would be surprised if one of us didn't win it."

Chelsea have already created a four-point advantage over second-placed United and with a tough challenge against Arsenal next weekend, Ferguson is wary that the gap could widen if his players do not step up.

"It could be a league in which you will suffer if you lose bad ones," Ferguson said. "We couldn't afford to lose to Tottenham the way we did. We gave two goals away and you cannot do that at this level. If we get any more of that we'll be in trouble.

"Chelsea are undefeated and that gives you an idea of the level of consistency they have produced. There are a lot of big games to come, of course, but I think it will be close. The game will be important to us, there is no doubt about that."

While United have not recorded a Premier League win at Stamford Bridge since a 3-0 rout over the Blues in 2002, Ferguson believes the history of the clubs and their summer signings will make the match unpredictable.

"Our record down there is amazing," Ferguson said. "It will change sometime - hopefully Sunday. We've had a couple of horrible refereeing decisions that have cost us points down there. Apart from last season, the previous six or seven seasons have been us and Chelsea for the League, so that gives you an idea of how we approach this game. It's going to be a hard one."

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