Managerial reaction from Sunday's Premier League fixtures, with Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson claiming it was "fantastic to be the most successful team in the country" after their 2-1 victory over Chelsea moved them to within one point of a record-breaking 19th title.

Alex Ferguson: "We could've scored six in the second half, but we expected a tough game and we got a tough game. We were brilliant - we got a great start but (Chelsea goalkeepr Petr) Cech made some fantastic saves. When we gave the ball away for their goal, we were a bit nervy but the fans helped us. It's fantastic to be the most successful team in the country. The minute we won that first title in 1992 the door opened, and we've been involved in the first two all throughout that period - it's a fantastic achievement. For the last 17 or 18 years it's been Arsenal and Chelsea as our nearest challengers, and the last few years it's been Chelsea. Arsenal made a great attempt this year but them losing today has finalised it. We deserve the title and hopefully we'll get that point now."

Carlo Ancelotti: "In the first minute we lost the game, we started so badly. It was very difficult after that to come back and try to win. The second half was better but United played better and deserved to win. We have to accept the defeat, today United were better and in general this season they were better than us. They deserve to win title, they will win and we have to try to maintain second place."

Stoke City 3-1 Arsenal

Tony Pulis: "The biggest compliment I can pay our players is that with a cup final only six days away their attitude and commitment to trying to win a game was 110 per cent and that speaks volumes for them. We have played one of the best teams in the country, a team which is competing against the likes of Barcelona and other great teams in Europe, and we have beaten them quite comprehensively."

Arsene Wenger: "Something has gone - you can see that today. It was a disappointing performance. The competitive level for Stoke was higher than ours and overall I think we lost the game because Stoke defended much better than we did, with much more purpose. Basically, there is not a lot to say. That is the Premier League. If you don't turn up it is the same competitive spirit in every game and you can lose everywhere, especially at Stoke. Stoke defend well and make it difficult for you and the most important thing is not to be 1-0 down - and that is what happened with the first free-kick (for Kenwyne Jones' goal)."

Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-1 West Bromwich Albion

Mick McCarthy: "(Steven Fletcher) has scored some important goals and it is lovely to be proved right. I spent millions. He was my first choice. That is why I went and got him in the summer before I went on my holidays. I thought it was the best piece of business I could have done. I think he has proved to be exactly what I thought he would be. He was delighted with his goals and I am thrilled with him. It is pleasing and timely to be out of the bottom three. To take four points from two difficult local derbies is pretty good but I am still fully aware that there is work to be done. I am working on May 22 time (the final day of the season) and, as far as I know, it is only May 8."

Roy Hodgson: "If you concede two goals in the first half from corners, and concede a third from an unfortunate error, you've got a mountain to climb. I thought we tried to climb it and dominated the second half, showed great fighting spirit, but it was from a 0-3 position against a team who need the points. They were going to do their level best to defend against us. I think when you go 3-0 down, to show the character and determination we did, shows why we are still in the league."

PA Sport