Pablo Zabaleta: 'Danny Welbeck, Marouane Fellaini deserved red cards'

Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta believes that Manchester United duo Danny Welbeck and Marouane Fellaini were lucky to escape red cards at Old Trafford on Tuesday evening.

Zabaleta was on the end of a late challenge from Welbeck and a stray elbow from Fellaini during City's 3-0 win, and the right-back has revealed that he was surprised that United were not reduced to nine men.

The 29-year-old told Sky Sports News: "They were two bad challenges. I have seen them on the television screen in the dressing room.

"The first one was a very dangerous tackle by Welbeck. I was very lucky because I could have broken my leg.

"I think that the second one was an elbow from Fellaini. I think this was was also a red card, but at the end of the day, we show respect for the referee decision."

Manchester City's victory takes them to within three points of Premier League leaders Chelsea.