Loss is hardest of the season – SAF

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson claims Sunday’s agonising loss to Chelsea was more significant than their recent 2-0 setback against Liverpool. The Red Devils were edged out 1-0 by their main title contenders after Blues captain John Terry glanced home a Frank Lampard free kick late in a high octane game at Stamford Bridge. "The fact is Chelsea go five points clear of us," lamented Ferguson. "The defeat to Liverpool didn't affect our position in the league - that affects our position in the sense that if we'd have won we'd have gone top today." The defeat was United’s third of the season, following earlier losses to Liverpool and Burnley.