Wenger admits doubt
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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger admits doubt was beginning to creep in about his team before yesterday's 1-0 win at Manchester United.
Arsenal dominated a thrilling Barclays Premiership encounter, yet wasted a string of chances, including a first-half Gilberto penalty, and were still looking for the breakthrough as the contest entered its final stages.
Although Wenger has never questioned the Gunners' ability, he accepted another failure would have been a massive blow for a side still looking for their first league win and one who would have fallen 13 points behind their hosts if they had lost.
Fortunately for the visitors, Emmanuel Adebayor was on hand to finish off five minutes from time after Cesc Fabregas had robbed Cristiano Ronaldo to seal what Wenger believes is the best of his three wins over the Red Devils on enemy territory.
The Frenchman explained: "I can keep telling the players they are great but if the words are not backed up by points, it is bound to have a subconscious effect on the players.
"People have been writing us off, to the extent that some of them have even had us playing in Division One next season.
"I believe they have been very quick to draw their conclusions but equally, I am not stupid enough to think nothing can happen to us.
"I have seen very good teams suddenly look average when doubt creeps in.
"Given those circumstances, and the authority with which we played, this has to be my best win over United at Old Trafford and one that sends out the right signals to everyone."
Arsenal's victory, which even Sir Alex Ferguson admitted they deserved, was more laudible given it was achieved without the notable attacking talents of Thierry Henry and Robin van Persie, sidelined by foot and hip problems respectively.
In their absence, Adebayor shouldered the striking responsibilities manfully and his efforts should have been rewarded long before they were, although Ferguson refused to blame Ronaldo for his part in Arsenal's winner.
"These things happen," reflected the Scot.
"Cristiano always tries to beat men, that is what makes him such an exciting player and a threat to every defence in the country.
"He did lose the ball but we didn't regroup quickly enough and it cost us a goal."
Wenger added: "We are not a team in transition.
"We are a big club who want to win championships. There is great potential in this team. I strongly believe in the quality of the players and results like this have to help."
Gunners goalkeeper Jens Lehmann was not a popular figure with United fans after appearing to kick a water bottle into the home faithful following treatment received when he saved a first-half shot from Ronaldo with his face.
Arsenal dominated a thrilling Barclays Premiership encounter, yet wasted a string of chances, including a first-half Gilberto penalty, and were still looking for the breakthrough as the contest entered its final stages.
Although Wenger has never questioned the Gunners' ability, he accepted another failure would have been a massive blow for a side still looking for their first league win and one who would have fallen 13 points behind their hosts if they had lost.
Fortunately for the visitors, Emmanuel Adebayor was on hand to finish off five minutes from time after Cesc Fabregas had robbed Cristiano Ronaldo to seal what Wenger believes is the best of his three wins over the Red Devils on enemy territory.
The Frenchman explained: "I can keep telling the players they are great but if the words are not backed up by points, it is bound to have a subconscious effect on the players.
"People have been writing us off, to the extent that some of them have even had us playing in Division One next season.
"I believe they have been very quick to draw their conclusions but equally, I am not stupid enough to think nothing can happen to us.
"I have seen very good teams suddenly look average when doubt creeps in.
"Given those circumstances, and the authority with which we played, this has to be my best win over United at Old Trafford and one that sends out the right signals to everyone."
Arsenal's victory, which even Sir Alex Ferguson admitted they deserved, was more laudible given it was achieved without the notable attacking talents of Thierry Henry and Robin van Persie, sidelined by foot and hip problems respectively.
In their absence, Adebayor shouldered the striking responsibilities manfully and his efforts should have been rewarded long before they were, although Ferguson refused to blame Ronaldo for his part in Arsenal's winner.
"These things happen," reflected the Scot.
"Cristiano always tries to beat men, that is what makes him such an exciting player and a threat to every defence in the country.
"He did lose the ball but we didn't regroup quickly enough and it cost us a goal."
Wenger added: "We are not a team in transition.
"We are a big club who want to win championships. There is great potential in this team. I strongly believe in the quality of the players and results like this have to help."
Gunners goalkeeper Jens Lehmann was not a popular figure with United fans after appearing to kick a water bottle into the home faithful following treatment received when he saved a first-half shot from Ronaldo with his face.
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