Man United close on Premier crown

Sir Alex Ferguson lauded his set-piece superstars as Manchester United marched within touching distance of the Premier League title.

Cristiano Ronaldo equalised from a twice-taken penalty kick in the 54th minute - his 38th goal of a remarkable season - after Emmanuel Adebayor had put Arsenal ahead from close range six minutes earlier.

Then Owen Hargreaves snatched the winner after 72 minutes with a stunning free-kick from 20 yards.

That propelled United six points clear of Chelsea, who will be expected to crush lowly Wigan at Stamford Bridge on Monday night.

Ferguson beamed: "The manner in which Ronaldo took the second penalty kick - it was only about six inches inside the post, low down, no goalkeeper in the world could have saved that.

"Jens Lehman guessed right but couldn't get to it - it was a marvellous strike."

It was only Hargreaves' second goal since arriving in a £17 million deal from Bayern Munich in the summer and came in front of watching England boss Fabio Capello.

Ferguson added: "I thought Owen would take the free-kick - he is very good at those ones. And he has whipped it in brilliantly which you can see from the replays.

"It got inside the post by about half a foot and at that moment I felt that we had a great chance here."

Ferguson stressed: "Obviously if we win the next three games we win the league."

Crestfallen Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said: "I feel the difference between success and failure is very little.

"We do not feel there is much between ourselves, United and Chelsea when it comes to technical ability and quality. So it is difficult to accept we will not win the title.

"I want to win trophies and it is sad we cannot win a trophy this season. We will continue to play the way we do but better. Then the trophies will come."

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