English Premier League: Pellegrini credits ‘good week’ despite draw

Chelsea’s 1-0 loss at Palace meant that victory at the Emirates Stadium would have sent City top on goal difference, but they remain third. PHOTO: REUTERS

LONDON: Manuel Pellegrini is convinced Manchester City have enjoyed a ‘good week’ despite failing to take an opportunity to go top of the Premier League.

Chelsea’s surprise 1-0 defeat at Crystal Palace on Saturday gave City the chance to move above them, and Liverpool, with a win at Arsenal.

David Silva’s first-half goal put them on course to do just that but they had to settle for a point in a 1-1 draw when Mathieu Flamini equalised for the hosts.

But considering that only one team – Aston Villa on the opening day – has won at Arsenal in the Premier League, Pellegrini was not too disappointed to add only a point to a 5-0 home win over Fulham a week ago and Tuesday’s impressive 3-0 victory at fallen champions Manchester United.

“Four points from United and Arsenal, when both games were away, is a good week for us,” said the Chilean.

“Of course we could be more happy if we won today [Saturday] — and we had, especially in the first half, the chances to do so.

“We had a clear chance to score a second goal but we couldn’t. Arsenal had a better second half but no chances to score apart from the goal.”

Pellegrini is convinced Arsenal are still in that category that even though they have only added two points to their tally in the past seven days, which saw them thrashed 6-0 at Chelsea and held 2-2 at home to Swansea.

“Of course they are,” he said. “In football, if mathematics allows you to win then you have the chance to do it.”

Wenger was also adamant that his players were not too far behind. “We will fight until the end,” he said.

Mourinho admits to title race defeat

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho admitted defeat in the title race after his side’s loss to Palace.

A 52nd-minute own goal by Chelsea captain John Terry settled the game, prompting Mourinho to concede: “We depend too much on other results. When you depend a little, it’s possible. When you depend a lot, I don’t think it’s possible. We depend too much now. I don’t think we can win the league now.”