‘Man United are in one hell of a position’ – Alex McLeish impressed with Chelsea but backs league leaders to win title

EPL : Frank Lampard – Alexander Hleb, Chelsea v Birmingham City

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Birmingham City manager Alex McLeish was impressed with Chelsea’s display as they beat his side 3-1 at Stamford Bridge, but is still backing Manchester United to lift the Premier League trophy at the end of the season.

The Scot insisted that there are no easy games in the Premier League now and so there could still be a twist in the tale at the top of the league.

“Anything could happen. You just never know the way this Premier League is going this season,” he told reporters after the game.

“Teams are winning games that you don’t expect to happen and that’s why we’ve got two hard games this week, but I’ve never thought that I couldn’t come to Chelsea and places like Liverpool and not believe I could get something.

“So that’s why there could be further twists but Man United are in one hell of a position.”

Florent Malouda gave Chelsea the lead inside three minutes, leaving Birmingham with a difficult task on their hands, and McLeish admitted that he was disappointed with the way his side started the game.

“Shocking start,” McLeish conceded. “I think we did the same thing here last season and you give yourself a mountain to climb.

“Chelsea are in decent form at the moment, they move the ball about well. They’re back to their three up top which suits people like Lampard.

“Their rotation in midfield proved difficult for us tonight but we hung in there and we never gave up. There were some aspects of our play that I was very pleased about.

Despite being just five points above the relegation zone, McLeish feels that his side could avoid the drop with one more win, although he is hoping they can push on as the season draws to a close.

“I would say we need one more win. We will try and get as many points in the last five games as we can.”