Chelsea winger Yury Zhirkov has accused Antonio Valencia of underhand tactics during the Blues' 2-1 win over Manchester United on Saturday.
Zhirkov, who can play as either a winger or a full-back, analysed his side's win over their Premier League rivals at Old Trafford and believes the Blues fully merited their vital victory.
"Without doubt, we created more chances and deserved to win," Zhirkov told Russian newspaper Bobsoccer.
"Manchester United tried very hard because they understand how important the outcome of this match was.
"I played on the left of defense, with hopes of connecting to the attack, but it turned out that I spent almost all the time in defence.
"United tried to put pressure on our goal, but we passed the test with flying colors."
The Russian international's deployment as a full-back during the clash saw him lock horns with the United winger Antonio Valencia, who he believes got away with fouling him throughout the match.
"He's a strong player, without doubt, but all too often he plays with his hands," said the £18 million summer signing from CSKA Moscow.
"He constantly grabbed me, pushed me, particularly when taking the ball back towards goal. The referee, unfortunately, didn't always stop his antics."
Chelsea are now in pole position to win the Premier League title, as the result on Saturday saw them leapfrog two points ahead of Sir Alex Ferguson's side.
"Everything now depends on us," Zhirkov said.
"This is an important victory, but we shouldn't be under any illusions.
"By and large, the title race has only just begun. Ahead of us are difficult matches, particularly against Liverpool and Tottenham.
"We're determined to win all our remaining matches and, also, gradually our injured players are returning."
Zhirkov, who can play as either a winger or a full-back, analysed his side's win over their Premier League rivals at Old Trafford and believes the Blues fully merited their vital victory.
"Without doubt, we created more chances and deserved to win," Zhirkov told Russian newspaper Bobsoccer.
"Manchester United tried very hard because they understand how important the outcome of this match was.
"I played on the left of defense, with hopes of connecting to the attack, but it turned out that I spent almost all the time in defence.
"United tried to put pressure on our goal, but we passed the test with flying colors."
The Russian international's deployment as a full-back during the clash saw him lock horns with the United winger Antonio Valencia, who he believes got away with fouling him throughout the match.
"He's a strong player, without doubt, but all too often he plays with his hands," said the £18 million summer signing from CSKA Moscow.
"He constantly grabbed me, pushed me, particularly when taking the ball back towards goal. The referee, unfortunately, didn't always stop his antics."
Chelsea are now in pole position to win the Premier League title, as the result on Saturday saw them leapfrog two points ahead of Sir Alex Ferguson's side.
"Everything now depends on us," Zhirkov said.
"This is an important victory, but we shouldn't be under any illusions.
"By and large, the title race has only just begun. Ahead of us are difficult matches, particularly against Liverpool and Tottenham.
"We're determined to win all our remaining matches and, also, gradually our injured players are returning."
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