Source: SKY_Sports
Giggs lauds Premier step-up
// A bit of a hack but it works// The article snippet is wrapped onto a second line, even when #article-sub is emptyif( $("div#article-sub").children().length == 0 ) {$("div#article-sub").remove();} Ryan Giggs believes the Premier League has never been as competitive as this season but insists Manchester United are unfazed that the gap at the top has been closed.[LNB] The champions are looking to demonstrate their bouncebackability from last Sunday's defeat by arch-rivals Liverpool when Blackburn journey to Old Trafford in the Halloween evening kick-off.[LNB]The Red Devils have already dropped seven points this term in what is fast looking like the most open title race in years with fellow title contenders Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool all suffering setbacks in the 2009/2010 campaign.[LNB]Accompanying the regular top four - Tottenham, Manchester City and Aston Villa have sounded out their credentials for one of the coveted UEFA Champions League spots and beyond with impressive early-season form.[LNB]And Giggs has admitted the gap between the so-called 'big-four' and the chasing pack has shrunk significantly this year.[LNB]Closer raceHe said: "You try to concentrate on your own form but you have a little look as to who is round about you.[LNB]"There have been some strange results. The top six or eight are separated by only a few points.[LNB]"It is going to be closer, because the quality has gone up. Any team can beat anyone, and you have to perform all the way throughout the season."[LNB]But the veteran midfielder was quick to dispel suggestions that a 12th title winner's medal will be out of the 35-year-old's reach this season adding: "It is great for us, the more teams that are competing. We can handle that. For the neutrals, it is brilliant.[LNB]"It is why the Premiership is the most exciting league in the world - because of the quality in it and the atmosphere it brings. That has certainly been the way this season."[LNB]Giggs has confessed the pain is still raw after the defeat by Liverpool, which left United trailing Chelsea at the top of the table.[LNB]But a Carling Cup victory against Barnsley in midweek lifted some of the gloom over Old Trafford.[LNB]DisappointmentGiggs said: "We just didn't turn up. That is one game you don't want to lose, against Liverpool at Anfield.[LNB]"We could still have won the match, because we had some chances. But whoever scores the first goal, it is very difficult to claw that lead back. It was disappointing we did not perform as well as we can.[LNB]"But we had a good win against Barnsley. Now we want to get back on track in the league."[LNB]Even though Blackburn were thrashed 5-0 by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, Giggs is not expecting an easy ride.[LNB]He added: "With Sam Allardyce as manager, you know they are going to be tough and will be organised. You know you have got to perform.[LNB]"You look to win all your home games, because you know any away game in the league is difficult. You don't want to be dropping silly points at home."[LNB]
