Arsene Wenger declared Arsenal's dramatic stoppage-time victory
over Barclays Premiership title-race leaders Manchester United
would "open it up for everybody".
The Gunners came from behind to ensure their unbeaten record at the
Emirates Stadium remained intact - and deny the Red Devils the
chance to extend their lead at the top of the table to nine points
over Chelsea, who lost 2-0 at Liverpool on Saturday.
Substitute Robin van Persie cancelled out Wayne Rooney's early
second-half strike with just seven minutes left, before captain
Thierry Henry powered in a header to snatch victory deep into
stoppage time.
Despite their defeat in north-London tonight, United remain well
clear of Chelsea - and some 12 ahead of Arsenal, who are
fourth.
Wenger felt the desire of Sir Alex Ferguson's men to try to run
down the clock came back to haunt them. The Arsenal manager said:
"They wanted so much to kill the time that it turned against them
as well, because they lost a bit of their game.
"With 10 minutes to go Manchester United were maybe champions, but
at the end of the game you cannot say that. "It will open it up for
everybody. "For us and Liverpool a little bit less, but you never
know."
Wenger, though, maintains United remain in the driving seat to
break Chelsea's grip on the Premiership crown. He said: "Of course
Manchester United will still be strong challengers for the title.
"This will be a big disappointment for Manchester United - but do
not expect them to crumble because of it. "But it is good for the
interest of the Premiership, because everybody still has a
chance.
"We have maybe less than all the others, but will just try to fight
to win every game." The Gunners boss feels his men will have taken
a great deal from snatching victory, which extended their fine
recent form of just one defeat in 13 games.
Wenger said: "We were a bit nervous at the start and gave them a
bit too much respect. "It took us time to get into the game. "In
the first half, Manchester United were more mature. Then we took
over in the second half, but they scored on the break.
"It was a test of character, resilience and togetherness, qualities
which are very important for the development of the team. "This
team is developing into young, hungry lions, lead well by
Henry."
The Gunners take on north-London rivals Tottenham in the
semi-finals of the Carling Cup next week, and are also in the
fourth round of the FA Cup as well as the knockout stages of the
Champions League.
Wenger, though, looks set to be without striker Van Persie for some
time after an X-ray confirmed the Dutchman had sustained a "partial
fracture" to his foot, suffered when scoring the goal.
"Now we come to a period where every game matters," the Arsenal
manager added. "Our target is to sustain that run."
United boss Ferguson, meanwhile, fully expects his men to swiftly
bounce back from what was only their third defeat of the
Premiership season - two of those at the hands of the
Gunners.
He said on MUTV: "Teams at the top always drop points on the
run-in. It happens - but how you cope is important. "Only true
champions come out and show their worth - and I expect us to do
that."
Ferguson vowed his side would learn from their late capitulation -
and use it as a spur for the rest of the campaign. "When I look at
it we have some important away games to come and this will be good
for us - we won't be making the same mistake," the United boss said
earlier to Sky Sports.
"We lost two goals from a position I did not think we would. "At
this moment in time we are so disappointed. "We have a game less
(to play) and are a goal better off (than Chelsea). So it is not
all doom and gloom."
