Jones praises Rio, Vidic display against Hammers

Manchester United's Phil Jones applauded the performances put on by Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic during the team's 2-2 draw with West Ham.

Sir Alex Ferguson's squad were punished for a sluggish start by West Ham's Ricardo Vaz Te, when the striker headed home in the 16th minute. Ecuadorian winger Antonio Valencia equalized for Manchester United before half-time, but the Red Devils found themselves behind once more early in the second period. However, the Premier League leaders managed to snatch a point when Robin van Persie scored his team's second 13 minutes from the full-time whistle.

Jones told MUTV that United expected Sam Allardyce's men to give them a stern, physical test, so he was pleased Ferdinand and Vidic managed to come out on top for most of the night.

"We knew we were going to be put under pressure with a lot of high balls and I think Rio [Ferdinand] and Vida [Nemanja Vidic] dealt with it well," he said.

"It was a good point in the end. West Ham are no pushovers with big, strong players and I thought we coped with it."

United's failure to pick up a win at Upton Park could result in the gap between themselves and Manchester City reduced further when Roberto Mancini's team play Tottenham on Sunday, but the England international remained confident that the league title was still well within the Red Devils' grasp.

"We’ve been confident throughout the season and nothing is going to change now," Jones stated.

“We’ve got a big game against Aston Villa on Monday night and I’m sure, if we can pick up three points there, it will stand us in great stead for Arsenal [the following Sunday]."