Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes today’s Premier League showdown against Arsenal will provide another historic chapter in his club’s ferocious feud with the Gunners.
By the time Arsenal and United kick off at the Emirates Stadium, Chelsea, who have a game in hand on both teams, could have opened up a four-point lead at the top with a win over Burnley.
For much of Ferguson’s 24-year reign at Old Trafford it has been Arsenal who have provided the main resistance to his empire-building and the old rivals go head to head with their title hopes at stake once again.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Ferguson fulfilled his ambition to knock Liverpool “off their perch” at the top of English soccer years ago and Chelsea have only emerged as serious challengers in recent years, but Arsenal, whether managed by Arsene Wenger or George Graham, have always been a thorn in United’s side.
From the moment Arsenal defender Nigel Winterburn launched a tirade of abuse at Brian McClair following the United star’s missed penalty in an FA Cup tie in 1988, there has been an extra edge to clashes between these super powers.
The list of grudge matches is endless and endlessly entertaining — Roy Keane’s tunnel row with Patrick Vieira, Martin Keown’s frenzied celebration of a Ruud van Nistelrooy penalty miss and the “Battle of the Buffet” that saw Ferguson hit by pizza thrown by Arsenal players after a particularly spicy encounter.
Ferguson’s strained relationship with Wenger has often provided these games with an intriguing sub-plot, but they are closer these days and happy to savor such a big occasion.
“These games with Arsenal are historic,” Ferguson said. “Since I came down here, apart from the early years before George Graham won his first title, it was Arsenal and United who were mostly competing for the trophies. Without doubt, Chelsea have become a prominent team in that respect too and it has been ourselves and Chelsea challenging for the league in the last few years, but you can never dismiss Arsenal because their history will always guarantee a challenge and they are definitely in the fray again.”
“Sunday’s game has great relevance because both sides have a genuine chance of winning the league,” he said.
Wenger has always seemed more uncomfortable when the flak has been flying, but he would happily get under Ferguson’s skin again because it would prove Arsenal are serious contenders. His squad certainly looks capable of pushing United and Chelsea all the way after over-coming a lengthy injury list to erase an 11-point gap to the leaders.
Even without injured duo Thomas Vermaelen and Eduardo — both sidelined by knocks during midweek — Wenger is confident his players will rise to the occasion.
“I look forward to it because it is a match which always promises good football,” Wenger said.
Wenger will hand Sol Campbell his first league start since returning to the club. Nicklas Bendter or Samir Nasri will deputize for Eduardo, while Alex Song and Emmanuel Eboue are back from Africa Cup of Nations duty.
United will be without suspended defender Rio Ferdinand, but that loss is offset by Serbian centerback Nemanja Vidic’s return from injury.
With games against Chelsea and Liverpool to come, this is a defining period for Arsenal.
“We love being in the race. Of course, it was our dream to be in this position,” Wenger said.
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