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Judging by the interview Carlos Queiroz gave to the BBC after this tense but slightly disappointing contest, it was not anything like as unpleasant as Ferguson would have us all think. 'It was a great day for football,' said United's assistant manager in praising the way both teams played, as well as the atmosphere at the Emirates Stadium.
If Ferguson was making his point because he wants to see action taken before he returns to Arsenal, perhaps he could set an example by sending a message to those United fans who sing songs about 'paedophiles' before the two teams meet at Old Trafford on April 12.
Now that is what you call an 'absolute disgrace' and something that needs to stop.
Wenger never complains about that and on Saturday he avoided accusing the referee of favouring the opposition. Instead he offered a far more balanced view of a match that never quite lived up its billing. Was it a work of art that would have stopped the sporting world?
"No," conceded Wenger. "It didn't reach the level in terms of technique that I'd expected, but it was still interesting with contrasting styles."
Curiously, though, the styles were contrasting because Arsenal failed to play the fluent football that has won them so many admirers this season.
Wenger recognised as much when he noted the difference between this performance and the one at Anfield the previous weekend. Against Liverpool they played with the handbrake off. Against Manchester United, however, it was on.
What Wenger then struggled to do was provide an explanation, perhaps because the truth was something he was a little reluctant to face.
Arsenal might remain unbeaten this season and they might still be at the summit of the Premier League, but they froze a little against a side they do not think they have the measure of yet. It certainly looked that way — a case of showing a touch too much respect.
They possess great character, no doubt about that. Not only did they fight back from a goal down at Anfield with a wonderful second half display but they battled back twice on this occasion — first in cancelling out Wayne Rooney's 45thminute goal with an equaliser from Cesc Fabregas soon after the interval, and then with a strike from William Gallas that came just 10 minutes after Cristiano Ronaldo had made the most of a terrific reverse pass from Louis Saha that took out two Arsenal defenders.
The Gallas goal prompted one of the more unusual responses from the feisty Fabregas, who turned to Rio Ferdinand and simply told him to 'f**k off '; evidence not only of Fabregas's dark side but further proof that the defending champions really got to them on Saturday.
Is that true ??? If it is, i find it absolutely shocking
!!!!
If Ferguson was making his point because he wants to see action taken before he returns to Arsenal, perhaps he could set an example by sending a message to those United fans who sing songs about 'paedophiles' before the two teams meet at Old Trafford on April 12.
Now that is what you call an 'absolute disgrace' and something that needs to stop.
Wenger never complains about that and on Saturday he avoided accusing the referee of favouring the opposition. Instead he offered a far more balanced view of a match that never quite lived up its billing. Was it a work of art that would have stopped the sporting world?
"No," conceded Wenger. "It didn't reach the level in terms of technique that I'd expected, but it was still interesting with contrasting styles."
Curiously, though, the styles were contrasting because Arsenal failed to play the fluent football that has won them so many admirers this season.
Wenger recognised as much when he noted the difference between this performance and the one at Anfield the previous weekend. Against Liverpool they played with the handbrake off. Against Manchester United, however, it was on.
What Wenger then struggled to do was provide an explanation, perhaps because the truth was something he was a little reluctant to face.
Arsenal might remain unbeaten this season and they might still be at the summit of the Premier League, but they froze a little against a side they do not think they have the measure of yet. It certainly looked that way — a case of showing a touch too much respect.
They possess great character, no doubt about that. Not only did they fight back from a goal down at Anfield with a wonderful second half display but they battled back twice on this occasion — first in cancelling out Wayne Rooney's 45thminute goal with an equaliser from Cesc Fabregas soon after the interval, and then with a strike from William Gallas that came just 10 minutes after Cristiano Ronaldo had made the most of a terrific reverse pass from Louis Saha that took out two Arsenal defenders.
The Gallas goal prompted one of the more unusual responses from the feisty Fabregas, who turned to Rio Ferdinand and simply told him to 'f**k off '; evidence not only of Fabregas's dark side but further proof that the defending champions really got to them on Saturday.
Is that true ??? If it is, i find it absolutely shocking
!!!!
You cant generalise like that AG. Not all French are arrogant.....
