Arsenal's Young Lions too Much for United -Wenger

Manager Arsene Wenger said Arsenal have thrown open the Premier League title race with Sunday\'s 2-1 win over leaders Manchester United.

Manager Arsene Wenger said Arsenal have thrown open the Premier League title race with Sunday's 2-1 win over leaders Manchester United.

United missed a chance to go nine points clear of champions Chelsea after Wayne Rooney's header was cancelled out by a late equaliser from substitute Robin van Persie and a stoppage-time winner by Thierry Henry.

With second-placed Chelsea losing 2-0 at Liverpool on Saturday, the weekend's action has narrowed the gaps between the Premier League's top four clubs.

United are top on 57 points after 24 games, Chelsea have 51, Liverpool 46 and Arsenal 45.

Asked about the title race, Wenger told a news conference: "It will open up for everybody, for us and Liverpool a little bit less, but you never know.

"With 10 minutes to go, United were maybe champions. But you cannot say that now.

"United will be strong challengers for the title, because they played well today. Of course, it will be a big disappointment for them, but I don't expect them to crumble because of that.

"Everyone still has a chance, us maybe less than all the others, but we will fight to win every game now."

'MORE RESPECT'

Delighted with his side's appetite for battle after going a goal behind, he said: "This team are developing into young, hungry lions, led well by Henry.

"I like to see the team playing at home, 1-0 down against the league leaders, and in the end to win."

With Arsenal sometimes tagged as a side who struggle in physical encounters, Wenger said: "That kind of game gives more strength, more belief but also more respect.

"The teams you play against think 'be careful, they are not as easy as the press says'."

United manager Alex Ferguson put a brave face on a defeat that he found hard to explain.

"There's a big disappointment but we can't worry about it, we will look at it back on the training ground," he told Sky Sports.

"(It) will be good for us, because if we get in that situation again we won't be making that mistake, I can tell you that."

Looking at their unchanged points lead over Chelsea, he added: "The funny thing is we're a game less to play now and we're a goal better off...so it's not all doom and gloom."

Reuters