Can Arsenal win at Man United for the first time since 2006 tonight? See all the best betting
Arsene Wenger has urged his Arsenal side to land a psychological blow by beating Manchester United at Old Trafford on Monday night.
Wenger said while the United clash was only worth three points, he wants to see his men prove a point to those who doubt their ability to last the pace this season.
Wenger said: “It’s a big game for us because we know that we have to convince people that we can do well in the big games. We know as well that looking at the championship it’s an important place to win points. At the moment, we are in a strong position in the league. We go away for a big game. One or two of the big games, we need to win away from home. That is what is at stake for us.
“It’s more psychological for the rest of the season than a decider, mathematically. They have recent history going for them and, in fairness, they have always big teams. But we have built a team and slowly come up and now we have an opportunity to show we are ready for the championship title.”
Monday’s game will again pit Wenger against great rival Sir Alex Ferguson, and the Frenchman insists his previous rows with the Scot should be taken in context.
“It’s always for me in the heat of the moment,” Wenger told Arsenal’s website. “I’m not somebody who bears grudges for years. I can forgive – indeed, sometimes I need to be the person to be forgiven – but I’m not somebody who thinks for 10 years, forever, ‘I will hate you’.
“Relations with people go up and down a little bit. Why? Because many things happen in the heat of the moment and you know it’s not for definite. I had [arguments] not only with him but with other managers.”
Meanwhile, United veteran Ryan Giggs has claimed United’s inconsistent form should not detract from their unbeaten start to the season, which has been overlooked amid their seven draws from 15 matches.
“We are proud of the unbeaten record,” he said. “People have not given us the respect we think we deserve but that is probably down to the manner of our results. We have thrown away games we should be winning. But we have dug results out as well.”
Giggs has noted the input of Samir Nasri, whose recent performances have allowed Arsenal to overcome the loss through injury of skipper Cesc Fabregas.
“Nasri has probably been one of the best players in the Premier League this season,” said Giggs. “He has got balance and speed, can play on either wing or off the front. He is really versatile and has scored some great goals as well. He really seems to have come of age this year. Arsenal deserve a lot of credit for the way they have coped with losing a quality player like Fabregas and still carried on winning.”
Can Arsenal win at Man United for the first time since 2006 tonight? See all the best betting
