Saha: Chelsea still a threat

• mcfadden

  29 Dec 06, 08:35

  Louis Saha insists league leaders Manchester United cannot afford to become complacent, despite a growing list of problems for Chelsea in the title race.
  
  United have enjoyed a fine festive period so far, extending their lead at the top of the table to four points, with their 3-1 win against Wigan Athletic on Boxing Day.
  
  Chelsea have meanwhile struggled in captain John Terry's absence, dropping two points in the 2-2 draw with Reading.
  
  News that the England skipper faces a lengthy lay-off following back surgery has buoyed United's hopes, but with 18 games still to play Saha has dismissed suggestions his team have all but won the title.
  
  "It has been a very good Christmas," Saha told MUTV.
  
  "We have scored six goals in two games and pulled two more points in front of Chelsea and confidence is very high.
  
  "The target is easy to see now, but we have to make sure we reach it. We don't have enough points to say the job is done yet."
  
  With key men Paul Scholes and Nemanja Vidic both suspended ahead of Saturday's home match against The Royals, Saha is wary of Steve Coppell's men.
  
  "This is a long season and there are a lot of tough games coming up," Saha continued.
  
  "It is good to be up front but we are aware it is going to be difficult to stay there."
  
  United have lost seven out of nine Premiership crowns after leading at Christmas, and Saha is not willing to write off the double champions yet, in spite of all their problems.
  
  "It is nice to know Chelsea are not playing well and are finding it hard to get results but they are still up there challenging," he added.
  
  "The best thing for us to do is ignore them and concentrate on our own game.
  
  "We are playing well, scoring goals and defending well. Some of the football we have produced has been unbelievable.
  
  "But we have to stay focused and carry on the way we have been, and make sure we keep picking up the points."
• dragg

  29 Dec 06, 09:12

  frankly man u are not playing very well too.
  
  
• iceFatboy

  29 Dec 06, 10:56

  I like Saha's comment, fair and direct.
  
  yes, MUFC is not playing as fluent as SAF is chopping here and there to give his players rest and to keep them fresh.
  
  once new year starts, I expect the full team to be back barring any injury, and traditionally, MUFC does perform better on the 2nd half of the league's fixture.
  
  hopefully, we can give Chelsea a good challenge this season.
• dragg

  29 Dec 06, 12:29

  if ronaldo is down injury man u will be in big trouble.
  
  
• iceFatboy

  29 Dec 06, 12:36

  Originally posted by dragg:

  if ronaldo is down injury man u will be in big trouble.
  
  

  frankly, I am quite sick of such posts when players' injuries are discussed.
  
  now, for MUFC, luckily, not all goals are coming from Ronaldo, as compared to Drogba.
  
  so I do believe we still have a nice balance.
• Dead_Man_Inc

  30 Dec 06, 02:36

  arsenal and liverpool also threat leh..
• used

  30 Dec 06, 02:39

  chelsea has always been the main thread for the past couple of years
• dinky1409

  30 Dec 06, 03:04

  Originally posted by Dead_Man_Inc:

  arsenal and liverpool also threat leh..

  dont think so leh.. this season both of them not consistent enough.. i have a feeling this season its between man u and chelsea.. and of corse chelsea still a threat lah only 4 pts diff...