Ferguson wary of Gunners threat

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LONDON, March 1, 2010 (AFP) - Sir Alex Ferguson believes Manchester City's defeat of Chelsea at the weekend has put Arsenal "back in the frame" in the Premier League title tussle.

As ever, Ferguson's thoughts in the wake of Sunday's League Cup final win over Aston Villa immediately turned to the next source of silverware, and the Scot acknowledged that Arsenal are now very favourably placed to claim their first title since Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and co. romped through the 2003-04 season unbeaten.

United's defeat at Everton last weekend and Chelsea's shock 4-2 reverse at home to City on Saturday means that only three points now separate the top three with ten games left to play, a run in which Arsenal's toughest fixtures are away to Tottenham and at home to Manchester City.

"I've always said that from the turn of the year you have to focus and make sure you don't make mistakes," Ferguson said after watching Wayne Rooney seal a 2-1 win over Aston Villa in an entertaining League Cup final at Wembley on Sunday.

"We lost a match last week to Everton. I think we were a bit tired in that but we recovered for the final," Ferguson said. "We've showed time and time again that this club has determination, that we won't give in and I think you will see that in the rest of the season.

"Arsenal are back in the frame now, they have the easiest programme on paper and it will be an interesting run-in."

Ferguson's desire to have Rooney as fresh as possible for that run-in was reflected in the England striker starting on the bench on Sunday, although the hamstring injury Michael Owen suffered just before half-time ensured he was pressed into action sooner than expected.

"Wayne knew a few weeks ago he wouldn't be starting the final," Ferguson said. "We've got massive games on Saturday (against Wolves in the league) and next Wednesday (the second leg of the Champions League tie against AC Milan).

"It was an opportunity to use the squad and it was a good day for Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Owen. Dimitar's work for the first goal was very good and Michael's followed up very well.

"But it didn't surprise me that Wayne came on and scored the winner. He's in that kind of form. It is his season in that way."

Rooney's 28th goal of a season that has seen him step up to fill the huge gap created by Cristiano Ronaldo's departure for Real Madrid came at a price however with the forward aggravating a knee injury that he has been carrying for some time, with the result that he is doubtful for England's midweek outing against Egypt.

Sunday's win, remarkably, ensured United retained a major cup for the first time in the club's history. It was the fourth time the Red Devils have lifted the trophy, the third under Ferguson, who has also delivered five FA Cup wins and 11 Premier League titles in his 23 and a bit years at Old Trafford.

"Hopefully there will be another one this season," said the 68-year-old, before joking: "I might be too old to wait for next season."

Ferguson added: "You've got to accept what you can get in this life and enjoy it. Winning this trophy is special to us. Any trophy is good.

"You're in this game to win and I appreciate everything we have achieved as a club and I appreciate the luck I've carried. That's important.

"I've lost finals and it's not easy when you lose a final. The only way you can enjoy Wembley is winning."

Even Ferguson accepted that Villa had been dealt a harsh blow when referee Phil Dowd failed to send off Nemanja Vidic for bringing down Gabriel Agbonlahor as the Villa striker closed in on goal early in the game.

Villa did get a penalty which James Milner converted to give them the lead. But their advantage was cancelled out by Owen's superbly-taken strike and, after he had departed with a hamstring injury, Rooney's second-half header sent the trophy back to Old Trafford.