Wenger plays down Fergie criticism

Arsene Wenger has played down criticism from Alex Ferguson over suggestions Manchester United are a 70-minute team – and maintains “if they are top of the league, that means they do not collapse”.

Arsenal came from behind to beat the Barclays Premiership leaders 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium last weekend.

Following that dramatic victory – secured by a stoppage-time header from captain Thierry Henry – Gunners midfielder Mathieu Flamini revealed Wenger had told his team at half-time that the Red Devils were not the same side once the 70-minute mark had passed.

Those reported comments today were met by a stinging rebuke from Ferguson, who labelled any such suggestions as a “load of nonsense”.

Wenger moved to set the record straight when he spoke to reporters this afternoon.

He said: “I did not say they crumble in the last 20 minutes.

“At half-time [last Sunday] it was still 0-0. I said: ’continue to play until the last minute because remember at Old Trafford we scored in the last five minutes’.

“I just said: ’Let’s go until the last five. Remember we scored at the end at Old Trafford, why should we not repeat that?’ That’s all.

“Of course after there was a big analysis that they concede more goals in the last 20 minutes – but most of the time that it because they lead and teams have a go at them.

“Sometimes when they lead 3-0, they concede one in the last five minutes. What people forget is that they are already 3-0 up.”

Wenger stressed: “Manchester United are top of the league – and if they are top of the league that means they do not collapse.”

Despite their victory, Arsenal remain 12 points behind United in fourth place.

Wenger accepts Ferguson’s men are in the driving seat to regain the championship from Chelsea – but is not giving up the fight just yet.

He said: “I am not convinced they will win the title. They are the closest to winning it at the moment, but it is far from being done.

“I believe we have to get as close as possible.

“We have some big games coming up and then we will see how far we can go.”

Wenger added: “At the moment they are in the best position, but they have as well a difficult schedule.”