Ferguson confident of catching Chelsea despite gap

BIRMINGHAM, England: Alex Ferguson insists Manchester United's English Premier League title challenge is still alive despite being eight points off the pace.

The Red Devils missed a glorious chance to close the gap on leaders Chelsea and second-placed Liverpool to just six points, with a game in hand.

But, after the top two had earlier both been held to 0-0 draws, United turned in a subdued performance Saturday at Villa Park -- a ground where they had won on their 11 previous visits -- and were themselves held to a goalless stalemate.