Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger insists his side go into Saturday's showdown with United on the crest of a wave, following Sunday's draw with Liverpool.
The Gunners dominated at Anfield, but needed a late Cesc Fabregas equaliser to claim a deserved point. Wenger insists that, having come through their first major test of the season unscathed, Arsenal are ready for another challenge this weekend.
"We have come out of our first big test this season stronger," he told Sky Sports. "We played without the handbrake on, without any restrictions and we were faithful to the game we wanted to play.
"I cannot fault anyone, it was a fantastic game. Manchester United is another big test, but after this performance we will be facing United much stronger."
Sunday's point took Arsenal back ahead of United at the summit of the Barclays Premier League table on goals scored, and Wenger insists his side have already proven their worth as genuine title contenders.
"I have always been very confident of what we could achieve this season," he said. "I said it before the season started and now we have convinced a few more people.There is a long way to go, but we have the talent to fight right at the top for the Championship."
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Monday, October 29, 2007
Owen: Best yet to come
Despite United’s recent blistering form, midfielder Owen Hargreaves has warned the Reds’ title rivals that there is still plenty more to come.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s side swept aside Middlesbrough on Saturday, scoring four goals for a fourth successive match, but Hargreaves insists that there is still room for improvement in the Reds’ game.
“We look good, our offensive play is very good,” he told MUTV. “But we have some things we can work on, even going forward. We had some wonderful moments (against Boro) but at times we were a bit complacent.
“We could have, if we’d wanted, scored more goals so we have some things we can work on, and that’s a great thing. We’re winning comfortably and we’re not even hitting top gear yet.”
United travel to Arsenal on Saturday in a mouth-watering top-of-the-table clash, with only goals scored separating the two teams, and Hargreaves is confident the Reds can take advantage of having no midweek fixture to thoroughly prepare for their trip to the Emirates.
“We’ve got some time to focus and look at some tape of Arsenal and look at what they do well,” said the midfielder.
“They’ve played extremely well and played some good football, but I still think that we’re the top team in England. It’ll be a fabulous game for the fans to enjoy, but I think we’ll be very confident going into the game.” Read more...
Sir Alex Ferguson’s side swept aside Middlesbrough on Saturday, scoring four goals for a fourth successive match, but Hargreaves insists that there is still room for improvement in the Reds’ game.
“We look good, our offensive play is very good,” he told MUTV. “But we have some things we can work on, even going forward. We had some wonderful moments (against Boro) but at times we were a bit complacent.
“We could have, if we’d wanted, scored more goals so we have some things we can work on, and that’s a great thing. We’re winning comfortably and we’re not even hitting top gear yet.”
United travel to Arsenal on Saturday in a mouth-watering top-of-the-table clash, with only goals scored separating the two teams, and Hargreaves is confident the Reds can take advantage of having no midweek fixture to thoroughly prepare for their trip to the Emirates.
“We’ve got some time to focus and look at some tape of Arsenal and look at what they do well,” said the midfielder.
“They’ve played extremely well and played some good football, but I still think that we’re the top team in England. It’ll be a fabulous game for the fans to enjoy, but I think we’ll be very confident going into the game.” Read more...
Sir Alex in Ronaldo rant
Alex Ferguson fears Cristiano Ronaldo may fall victim to football’s hatchet men. And the Manchester United boss believes opposition crowds are turning refs against his winger. Ferguson said: “I am worried too many defenders are pursuing a policy of stopping Ronaldo by fair means or foul. Some of the tackles on him have been ridiculous this season. I don’t mean defenders should let him through, but I do expect refs to protect him more. I expect opposition fans to boo our man but I don’t expect refs to be influenced by the hostility. Special players like Ronaldo, whom fans want to see play, need to be encouraged rather than kicked out of the game.”
Ben Kinsella, The Sun Read more...
Ben Kinsella, The Sun Read more...
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Boss salutes 'amazing' Reds
Sir Alex was delighted with United's fourth four-goal haul in as many matches, but admitted the Reds almost let Middlesbrough back into the game.
Nani fired United into the lead in the third minute, only for former Arsenal forward Jeremie Aliadiere to equalise three minutes later.
"For weeks people were going on about our 1-0 wins but now they're going on about us scoring four. It's amazing!" the manager told MUTV. "Some of the attacking play today was very good, although when we got in front we took our foot off the pedal. We started running with the ball, didn't play the way we normally play and paid the penalty.
"We weren't getting to the ball quick enough and I think the players really needed a wake-up call, and that's exactly what their goal did to us. Credit to Middlesbrough for that 20-minute period where they got in and about us."
Gareth Southgate's side may have made things difficult for the Reds in the first half, but the second period was all United and the match ended 4-1.
"There was no doubt we were on top in the second half," Sir Alex agreed. "There was far more concentration, our attacking play improved and we could have scored a lot of goals."
The boss was particularly impressed with Carlos Tevez and Wayne Rooney, who linked superbly for United's third.
"I think that goal sums up their partnership. It was all about quick-thinking, great vision and, you know, the courage to even try that. Wayne could have taken another touch but he knew Tevez was making that run and a little backheel put him in on goal. It was a fantastic goal and hopefully we're going to see a more complete partnership." Read more...
Nani fired United into the lead in the third minute, only for former Arsenal forward Jeremie Aliadiere to equalise three minutes later.
"For weeks people were going on about our 1-0 wins but now they're going on about us scoring four. It's amazing!" the manager told MUTV. "Some of the attacking play today was very good, although when we got in front we took our foot off the pedal. We started running with the ball, didn't play the way we normally play and paid the penalty.
"We weren't getting to the ball quick enough and I think the players really needed a wake-up call, and that's exactly what their goal did to us. Credit to Middlesbrough for that 20-minute period where they got in and about us."
Gareth Southgate's side may have made things difficult for the Reds in the first half, but the second period was all United and the match ended 4-1.
"There was no doubt we were on top in the second half," Sir Alex agreed. "There was far more concentration, our attacking play improved and we could have scored a lot of goals."
The boss was particularly impressed with Carlos Tevez and Wayne Rooney, who linked superbly for United's third.
"I think that goal sums up their partnership. It was all about quick-thinking, great vision and, you know, the courage to even try that. Wayne could have taken another touch but he knew Tevez was making that run and a little backheel put him in on goal. It was a fantastic goal and hopefully we're going to see a more complete partnership." Read more...
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