‘Anyone can beat Arsenal’

Ask Arsene Wenger whether he feels the race for the Premier League title is wide open and he will respond with a resounding ‘yes’.

The Arsenal boss watched his side succumb to defeat for only the second this season, leaving Old Trafford with a 1-0 loss which was decided by a first-half header from familiar face Robin van Persie.

The Gunners have launched themselves to the top of Premier League ever since the opening day defeat to Aston Villa and they will remain there, two points clear of Liverpool, despite Sunday’s disappointment.

But Manchester United’s win, coupled with dropped points from Chelsea, Tottenham, Everton and Manchester City has drawn a tight picture of the top eight teams being separated by just six points on the table.

And so Wenger admits that there are no favourites in Premier League fixtures anymore.

“Six points is not too bad after 11 games. What we have learnt again today is that not only that Man United could beat Arsenal but everybody can beat everybody in this Premier League. Sunderland beat Man City and that shows you how much excitement you will have until the end of the season.” Wenger said

With the international break up next, Arsenal will not get an instant opportunity to put the Old Trafford defeat behind them according to Arsene Wenger.

“The international break is not welcome because when you lose a game like that you want to play straight away again.” he said

“We have some players who go to play massive games, under massive pressure and will not come back after the break refreshed – they come back maybe exhausted because France plays against Ukraine – we have a few French players. All the other countries it’s a bit better.”