Source: Eurosport
Alonso: We're Better Than United
Xabi Alonso believes Liverpool have shown they are superior to Manchester United in this season's matches between the title rivals.[LNB]The Spain midfielder admits United are still favourites to retain their Premier League crown but the events of the past few weeks have certainly opened up the race.[LNB]Liverpool's sensational 4-1 victory at Old Trafford was followed by United losing at Fulham the following weekend, while Rafa Benitez's men thumped Aston Villa 5-0 to close the gap at the top to just a solitary point.[LNB]Earlier in the campaign Liverpool also stole bragging rights at Anfield as they claimed a 2-1 victory on Merseyside.[LNB]United still have a game in hand on their North West rivals, but Alonso sees no reason why a 19-year wait for the title could not be sated this season.[LNB]"We can win the Premier League. It is far more likely than a month ago when we were a lot of points behind," he told the Daily Star.[LNB]"Liverpool have demonstrated this season that they are superior to United in the two matches between the teams.[LNB]"Nobody could dispute that, but now it is a real race for the title.[LNB]"It is not impossible to imagine that we could win all of our next eight matches while United lose two.[LNB]"But we know that we need to remain calm and to play without any real pressure or fear.[LNB]"United know what it is like to play under pressure, but they have shown there are some cracks in the last two games, and we will be ready to pounce.[LNB]"Every game is going to be vital from now on."[LNB]Alonso concedes Liverpool must win their remaining eight league games in order to have a realistic chance of the title. [LNB]"In our dressing room we are trying to remain calm. We know we need to take 24 points from a possible 24 so we need to be ice-cool about it. That is our challenge," he added.[LNB]"Mentally we are prepared to fight for the league and Champions League. [LNB]"United are defending champions and I feel they will be more nervous. [LNB]"It could be a very emotional end to the season for us and after such a long time to win the league would be fantastic. [LNB]"I feel we deserve it by the way we have already played this season, particularly in the big games."[LNB]
