Manchester United tighten grip

Updated on: 28 January,2009 08:57 AM IST |
AFP |

Red Devils hammer West Brom 5-0; extend lead to three points over Liverpool

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring against West Brom in a 5-0 win in the English Premier League last night. PIC/AP

Red Devils hammer West Brom 5-0; extend lead to three points over Liverpool

Easy win
The stroll at The Hawthorns left United three points clear of Liverpool, who play at Wigan on Wednesday evening, and Aston Villa, who moved up to joint second place with a hard-fought 1-0 win at Portsmouth.

It was also a good night for Tottenham, 3-1 winners over fellow strugglers Stoke, and Sunderland, who beat Fulham 1-0.

United boss Alex Ferguson was delighted with what he described as a "ruthless" display that enabled his side to significantly improve their goal difference, which he feels could prove decisive in what is a very tight title battle.

"The scoreline was very important to us," the Scot said after watching his side improve their goal difference to +29, the same mark as Chelsea and seven better than Liverpool.

"Goal difference could play a part and over the years we have always had an advantage over our opponents, so it was a satisfying result in that respect."

United's kick-off was delayed by half an hour because of traffic congestion but the champions wasted no time in seizing control of the match.

Villa win
Emile Heskey marked his debut for Aston Villa with the only goal of the game at Portsmouth as Martin O'Neill's men again displayed their ability to grind out results in their pursuit of a top-four finish.

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