Jose's Prediction Down The Tip
Alex Ferguson consigned another Jose Mourinho prediction to the tip as Manchester United went into the New Year in top spot. Two goals from Cristiano Ronaldo dispatched Wigan 3-1 at Old Trafford while Chelsea were held 2-2 by Reading. Fergie said: “Last week Jose said we will drop points but he forgets Chelsea will too. Consistency wins you the league. If we maintain the consistency we showed in the first half of the season we have a marvellous chance. There will be some difficult days ahead and we will have to handle them. But we have just shown how we can bounce back after losing last week to West Ham." Ferguson admitted Chelsea’s draw in one of the day’s early kick-offs gave them the perfect pre-match boost. He said: “There was a lot of elation when we heard the result from Chelsea. But we went out and showed a good work ethic, there was no showboating and that was good.”
Neil Custis, The Sun

The tabloids are united in their praise of Cristiano Ronaldo following his two-goal cameo against Wigan, while equally widespread is speculation over John Terry's back injury and prospective layoff.

Wigan boss Paul Jewell cannot decide who will win the Premiership title. Having faced Chelsea and United in the space of four days, the Latics boss admits he sees it as "a dead heat".