Wenger targets win over Man Utd

Emirates Stadium
Saturday, 3 November
Kick-off: 1245 GMT
Coverage on the BBC Sport website, BBC Radio Five Live & highlights on Match of the Day. Featured game on Score and Final Score.

Arsene Wenger believes "collective pressure" from his side will help them overcome the challenge of title rivals Manchester United on Saturday.

Arsenal are level on points with United but lead the Premier League on goals scored going into their home fixture.

"It's a massive game because we've done extremely well and so have they," the Gunners manager told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"Everybody wants to see who is the best right now and I think our collective pressure will give us the advantage."

Interview: Man Utd keeper Edwin van der Sar

Wenger added that the status of the match had been enhanced because both sides were playing attractive football.

"This fixture is fantastic and one of big importance," said the Frenchman.

"Both teams are playing good stuff. A few years ago the sides were probably more physical, but now there is more empahsis on the technical side."

Arsenal, unbeaten, have played a game less than United and hold a four-point advantage over third-placed Manchester City and a five-point advantage over Chelsea.

But despite the leading duo's good form and commanding position in the league, Wenger is adamant the challenge for the title is not a two-horse race.

"I think Liverppol and Chelsea will both fight for the title and Blackburn are doing well too," said Wenger, who comes up against Ferguson for the 34th time.

"It's too early to decide on who will be in contention towards the end of the season, but the current consistency shown by both my team and United may prove to be a factor during the run-in."

Ferguson, who has led United to 11 wins over Wenger's side, said Arsenal's current form did not surprise him, although warned his rivals they may suffer from a "rough" patch.

"I thought Arsenal would make a strong challenge throughout the season and at this moment in time that has proved correct," said Ferguson.

"But it's a long season and other clubs will have a say yet. I know from my own experience that there are rough days ahead.

"I said in pre-season that there was no way that Arsenal would want to be 20 points behind Manchester United again. I expected them to be stronger."

The Scotsman added that Wenger was right to let star striker Thierry Henry leave for Barcelona in the summer.

"Henry had served his time there," he added.

"Whether his departure has liberated Arsenal I don't know but Arsene did the correct thing by letting him go."

In contrast, Old Trafford goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar said he did not expect Arsenal to cope so admirably without the services of the French hitman.

"It would have been obvious to think they would have a poor season without Henry," he told BBC's Football Focus ahead of Saturday's game.

"But Wenger has an eye for talent. He motivates and educates them.

"They have done remarkably well and not many would have expected that. Arsenal are playing well and winning."

For the whole interview with Edwin van der Sar watch Saturday's Football Focus on BBC One at 1210 GMT

Source: BBC Sport