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Manager Sir Alex Ferguson hailed a crucial victory in the race for the Premier League title as Manchester United held on to defeat Liverpool 2-1 to stay seven points clear.
The Red Devils piled the pressure on neighbours City by hanging on for three points against the Reds, although the Citizens later responded with a 2-0 victory over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
A relieved Ferguson said after seeing his side won for the tenth time out of 11 at Old Trafford in the league this season: "I would have taken that score before the game.
"Some of our defending after that (Liverpool scored) was a bit erratic and even desperate at times, but we managed to get through it.
"The name of the game is winning. There are moments where you have to defend, today was one of them."
United are now1.30 to win the title race, with City 4.33, while Chelsea are1.28 to top the table at the end of the season if the Manchester clubs were excluded.
Meanwhile, City boss Roberto Mancini remains confident that his side can make up the seven-point gap to rivals United, following their 2-0 win in North London.
The Citizens were eight points adrift of the Red Devils at one point last season, but eventually took the title on goal difference.
Mancini said: "United are a really strong team, but the season is long. It's important for us to be there, close with them, and we will arrive the moment they lose points.
"We have the derby on Januaryil 6 and we need to arrive there five or four points behind, it is okay."
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