Juan Mata struck an 87th-minute winner as Chelsea won 1-0 at champions Manchester United on Sunday to reclaim third place in the English Premier League and tighten their grip on a Champions League spot.
It was a lacklustre game by United at Old Trafford as they were drifting towards a goalless draw. But, Mata collected a pass from Oscar and dispatched a low shot that took a deflection off Phil Jones on its way into the bottom-right corner.
Mata's goal means Chelsea go into Wednesday's crunch clash against Tottenham at Stamford Bridge with a three-point lead over their London rivals, who are bidding to crash into the top four.
Arsenal are sandwiched between the pair in fourth, a point behind Chelsea, having played a game more.
Sir Alex had no complains and accepted the result, Read the report below:
Sir Alex Ferguson admits Manchester United deserved nothing against Chelsea
Star Sports
May 5, 2013 7:06pm
Sir Alex Ferguson had no complaints with the result after seeing Manchester United beaten by Chelsea, but felt aggrieved by big decisions.
The Red Devils, who have already wrapped up the Premier League title, slipped to a 1-0 defeat at Old Trafford on Sunday.
A deflected effort from Juan Mata three minutes from time settled the contest, before Rafael saw red late on for kicking out at David Luiz.
Ferguson admitted afterwards that his side were far from their best, but feels referee Howard Webb did them few favours.
He told Sky Sports: "The team took their foot off the pedal. There was no edge to the game all day. I think Chelsea deserved to win.
"Unfortunately it was controversial, it always is when we play Chelsea, but we can't complain because we didn't play well enough.
"It was a bit of a lucky goal, it has deflected off Phil Jones. I can't make any excuses in terms of the performance. Certainly refereeing decisions went against us. They surrounded the referee all day, four or five players all the time."
On Rafael's dismissal, Ferguson added: "He was elbowed and he retaliated. That always happens, the player that retaliates always gets the bigger penalty.
"It was quite clear that Luiz has elbowed him twice. It was rash what he has done, he's a young lad and he should know better.
"I wouldn't say it was violent conduct. I don't think the referee has seen it at all, he's gone with the fact that Luiz has rolled about. I think that has convinced him it was a red card.
Note:
Sorry, no politics today. Not in mood.
It is not a wrong call on Gelang Patah, Kelantan, and Selangor. Actually we expected it but we hope to do something and avoid the eventuality.
More on politic later.