Sir Alex Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson believes victories over Blackburn and Chelsea in their next two league matches will give them their second successive title after their 2-1 win on Sunday knocked Arsenal out of the race. Goals from Ronaldo and Owen Hargreaves put the Reds six points clear of Chelsea, who host Wigan tonight and go to Everton on Thursday.

But the Reds have the destiny of the crown in their hands. Fergie's side visit Ewood Park at tea-time on Saturday and have a showdown at Stamford Bridge seven days later with a lunchtime date against Chelsea.

"I had said if we win our next three games then we'd win the title," said a delighted Sir Alex. "We have won one of them and there are two to go now. If we win the two games then we are champions. It's as simple as that."

The United boss had to endure an off-colour United effort as Arsenal shrugged off the pressure of what was a make-or-break encounter for them and dominated.

"It was torture. We were poor in the first half," added the Reds boss, whose side went behind to an Emmanuel Adebayor header just after the break.

"Arsenal were the better team in the first half. We were a bit nervous. Our passing was poor. The confidence and expressing themselves was poor and I couldn't wait to get in at half-time.

"Arsenal were unlucky not to get something from the game. You couldn't ask for more from a team than Arsenal produced.

"I watched the Liverpool versus Arsenal game on Tuesday in the Champions League and it was an absolutely fantastic game but the quality of this game was outstanding.

"Tevez and Anderson were always going to play a part and when Arsenal scored it forced my hand and we were fantastic after that. Wayne could have had a hat-trick. We played some good football and Arsenal had some fantastic moments themselves. It was just an incredible game."

A William Gallas handball in the 53rd minute gave the Reds the ticket back into the game after Adebayor's opener.

Cristiano Ronaldo's first spot kick was drilled home but referee Howard Webb forced him to retake it after Ji-sung Park had encroached deep into the box as Ronaldo did his trademark hesitant run-up.

The Portuguese winger took the challenge head on to power the ball past Jens Lehmann again to register his 38th goal.

"That was some pressure for Cristiano," Ferguson said.

"What a fantastic second penalty to take. It showed courage."

Owen Hargreaves netted United's winner from a free kick 18 minutes from time after stepping ahead of Ronaldo for the crucial set-piece duty.

"I thought it was going to be Owen's free kick," Sir Alex said.

"It was his distance. He has whipped it in brilliantly."