FOOTBALL: NOISES OFF...

THAT WAS THE WEEKEND THAT WAS

It's a bad time for him to be going through an uncertain spell. I still think he's the best, but the problem is that when goalkeepers make mistakes the ball usually ends up in the back of the net."

Roy Evans, defending the goalkeeper dubbed David "Calamity" James.

"This win was a massive step for us. I said before the game that you have to earn the right to be champions and this is the right place to come and do it."

Alex Ferguson, starting to believe the title is United's.

"It was the wrong thing to do. But Sutton is a bit of a dizzy lad - a silly lad sometimes. I think he may have forgotten what had happened."

Tony Parkes, on the controversy over Blackburn's equaliser at Highbury.

"You can put it down to Blackburn's lack of sportsmanship, our guilt at not marking properly or to God - anything you want. In any event the championship is out of our reach now."

Arsene Wenger.

"I can't believe what happened. Kitson should never have taken that penalty but the players out there wanted him to get a hat-trick as if it was some testimonial game. They know they've got to win games like this and that was the killer."

Harry Redknapp, after seeing Everton allowed to battle back at Upton Park.

"The last thing we wanted was to concede a spawny goal like the one they managed. It is going to be difficult now to stay up. I would say we definitely have to win our last three matches."

Dave Bassett, after a fluke Leeds equaliser left Forest staring relegation in the face.

"I'm absolutely thrilled with the result but it's three wins, not one, we need... I am a miserable so and so."

Peter Reid, still in need of cheering up despite his side's win at Middlesbrough.