Ferguson: United goals can deliver

Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United’s firepower gives them every chance of ending Chelsea's reign as Barclays Premiership champions.

United have scored 52 goals in 23 games this season – three of which came in Saturday’s win over Aston Villa.

Strikes from Park Ji-Sung, Michael Carrick and Cristiano Ronaldo secured a 3-1 victory which maintained United’s six-point lead over Chelsea at the top.

Ferguson said: “We have youth in our team and historically we are consistent and strong at this stage.

“But the other important factor is there is a goal threat about us. That must give a big chance and an edge.”

Gabriel Agbonlahor grabbed the consolation for Villa who, after such a bright start to the season, have now gone 12 games without a win.

Manager Martin O’Neill said: “Considering we were the last side in the Premiership to get beaten, it has changed around now. We are well aware we need to get some points on the board.”

Chelsea’s 4-0 drubbing of Wigan was overshadowed by the continued speculation surrounding the future of manager Jose Mourinho.

The self-proclaimed “special one” is contracted to Chelsea until 2010 but he refused to reassure supporters he will be at Stamford Bridge after this season.

“My future is not important in this context and in this moment everyone in the club should think about the club and not himself,” he said.

The win was secured courtesy of Frank Lampard, Arjen Robben, a Chris Kirkland own goal and Didier Drogba’s 14th league strike.

Liverpool striker Peter Crouch would not rule Chelsea out of the title race - and he believes they could be galvanised by their recent troubles.

“Are Chelsea in turmoil? Not at all. They are still second in the league and have a great tally of points,” said Crouch, who scored twice in Liverpool’s 3-0 win at Watford.

“They will be angry with what has been said recently, the same as we were and they will want to go out there and get a result.”

Liverpool rebounded well from their 6-3 Carling Cup defeat to Arsenal with goals from Craig Bellamy and Crouch.

Manager Rafael Benitez said: “I think I am young as a manager but I have experience from being in bad situations (with Valencia). I always say that after a Sunday there is a Monday. You can learn from your situations and improve.”

Arsenal produced one of their best away performances of the season to beat Blackburn 2-0, with goals from Kolo Toure and Thierry Henry helping to make light of Gilberto’s sending off.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger ruled out a late title bid – but the Gunners could still have a major say in the destiny of the championship with Manchester United due at the Emirates Stadium next Sunday.

“The title is not realistic but we go game by game and against Manchester United it’s just another opportunity to take three points and reduce the distance,” said Wenger.

At the bottom of the Premiership, Watford’s defeat to Liverpool was their 11th of the season, while Fulham heaped further misery on struggling West Ham.

The Hammers seemed on course for three valuable points after a strike from Bobby Zamora and two from Yossi Benayoun.

But Fulham defender Philippe Christanval struck two minutes into added time to secure a 3-3 draw.

Charlton sank deeper into trouble after blowing a 1-0 lead at home to Middlesbrough.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink ended his 12-game Premiership goal drought but Boro took advantage of slack defending with goals from Lee Cattermole, Julio Arca and Aiyegbeni Yakubu.

A mix-up between Sheffield United defender Claude Davis and goalkeeper Paul Gerrard cost the Blades the chance of maximum points as they drew 1-1 with Portsmouth.

Gary O’Neil took advantage of the mistake to level the scores following Stephen Quinn’s free-kick.

Bolton and Manchester City shared a goalless draw to round-up Saturday’s action.

On Sunday, Newcastle striker Obafemi Martins turned the game on its head to secure the points in a thrilling 3-2 win over Tottenham.

Jermain Defoe opened the scoring in the 14th minute after a host of Shay Given saves but Paul Huntington equalised moments later.

Dimitar Berbatov restored the lead in the second half but then Martins scored with a fierce drive before teeing up Nicky Butt to claim the winner.

But it was the club’s youngsters, led by goalscorer Huntington, who caught the eye of manager Glenn Roeder.

“It’s been a tough baptism for them over the past six or seven weeks because of all the injuries,” he said. “But I thought they were absolutely tremendous, as were the senior players.”

Everton’s Andrew Johnson scored four minutes from time to claim a 1-1 draw for the Toffees against Steve Coppell’s Reading.

Joleon Lescott had earlier turned the ball into his own net following Stephen Hunt’s header, leaving manager David Moyes furious both with his side and the officials.

He said: “We made some poor decisions ourselves in that first half, and then we conceded a terrible goal. I felt it was a shabby goal that we conceded. It was offside, and the linesman was right there and didn’t give it, which is disappointing.”