After scoring in Saturday's victory at Fulham, Hargreaves said: "Sometimes it's easy to get to the top but a lot more difficult to stay there. It's not easy when you look over your shoulder and see Manchester United and Chelsea breathing down your neck - two of the best squads in the Premier League.

"This is the stage of the season which really matters.

"Every game now is going to be like a cup final.

"We expected a more difficult game from Fulham but then we hear that Chelsea have won 4-0 away. They are going to be the dark horses.

"It's going to be very nervous and very exciting. I think it will go down to the final day."