OTHER SPORT

THEY THINK IT'S ALL OVER

Sir Alex Ferguson applauds his team

Sunday April 29,2007

By John Richardson and Jim Holden

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SIR ALEX Ferguson believes that Manchester United are simply destined to win their first Premiership title in four seasons.

United recovered from a two goal deficit at Everton to win 4-2 while Chelsea were slipping up in a 2-2 home draw with Bolton.

The gap at the top is now five points in United's favour with just three games remaining. United will clinch the title if they beat Manchester City on Saturday and Chelsea don't win at Arsenal the following day.

Ferguson said: "With Chelsea drawing we have a marvellous chance with three games to go.

"I can't explain the game but when their goalkeeper dropped the ball for our first goal I felt we had a chance. I felt what has happened was meant to happen.

"Five points is a significant lead and we also have a better goal difference. Sam Allardyce (Bolton boss) will be getting a big hug and a kiss from me."

But Fergie knows that there is still a lot of work to be done. He added:

"We can't count our chickens yet. We have to go to Manchester City which will be difficult after playing in Milan on Wednesday night.

"Then we have to go and play Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. But the momentum is with us and so is the marvellous attitude of the players."

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho came close to conceding the title, admitting: "I feel sad. And I think Manchester United will feel they are very, very close. They won't be feeling any pressure, they will feel quite comfortable. They can come to Stamford Bridge, lose, and still be champions.

"Mathematically there is still a chance. And while there is a chance you have to keep believing and keep chasing.

The good thing is that we have another big game on Tuesday, and in that situation you haven't go time
to be sad."

Another blow for Chelsea is that central defender Ricardo Carvalho will definitely miss the Champions League semi-final against Liverpool after sustaining a knee injury yesterday. "It is a big blow," said Mourinho.

"He has been our best defender this season and we lost in the Premiership at Liverpool when he was missing that day."