Ferguson expects thrilling race

Ferguson and Wenger are going head-to-head for the title again

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is anticipating a thrilling end to the Premier League season after his side overtook Arsenal at the top.

United beat Derby 1-0 on Saturday, before the Gunners were held at home by Middlesbrough and United are now ahead on goal difference with a game in hand.

Ferguson said: "The league is bubbling up very nicely now, it should be a fantastic finish to the season."

Wenger added: "We have dropped lots of points and it is a big disappointment."

If there is even one in the club who does not believe, he should not be in football Chelsea boss Avram Grant

Arsenal's result against Boro was their fourth draw in the league in a row, a run that has seen the Gunners' five-point lead at the top evaporate.

Wenger continued: "When you are in a race with the opponents we have, it is not ideal to be on this run, but we must keep our spirit and focus.

"Now we play Chelsea next, so it's very interesting. We will see at the end of the season what effect this result has.

"I feel the spirit is there and the players are giving everything, but at the moment it's not working for us."

United play their game in hand at home to Bolton on Wednesday and Ferguson said: "Hopefully we can win that as well and stay at the top."

Chelsea, meanwhile, are only three points behind the top two and have a game in hand on Arsenal, who they entertain at Stamford Bridge on 23 March.

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Manager Avram Grant is refusing to give up on the Blues winning their third league title in four seasons.

"If there is even one in the club who does not believe, he should not be in football," said Grant.

"I am positive and very optimistic by nature, but if I was in a situation where I did not believe, I would be looking for another job.

"The belief was here maybe from the second week I was here. We have shown there is a reason why we can believe in this.

"We believe, even if sometimes we lose games."