England

Arsenal Boss Arsene Wenger Congratulates Manchester United And Alex Ferguson

Sour grapes were just about left in the fruit bowl when the Gunners supremo paid tribute to his opposite number today...

May 16, 2009 4:30:21 PM

Arsenal Manager Arsene Wenger watches on helplessly as his side capitulate against Manchester United in the Champions League semi-final, second-leg blockbuster

Players

Arsene Wenger

Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, watched his side hold Manchester United to a 0-0 draw at Old Trafford this afternoon, a result which handed the Red Devils their 18th English league crown.

Although the Frenchman and his opposite number, Sir Alex Ferguson, have enjoyed a fractious relationship down the years, the Gunners boss was full of praise for the Scot and his achievements.

According to the official Arsenal website, Wenger said, "It is an exceptional achievement and congratulations to him. It is fantastic what his team have done this year. The overall achievement is remarkable."

Wenger also said he was pleased to have seen a marked improvement in his side from their Champions League trashing at the hands of United, which occurred two weeks ago.

“I believe we played with a lot of heart and desire. When we played in the Champions League, I think we were inhibited a bit by the occasion - it was too big perhaps - and in the second leg we had no chance to play the game. Today we showed we have the quality. We played with a lot of authority on the pitch.

"Man United like to play on the counter-attack and I felt we were much sharper on winning the ball back but have the regret that we couldn't score the goal that would have livened the game up - it would have forced them to come out. In the last 20 minutes, they made a change to play for a 0-0.”

One curiosity to the Arsenal line-up today was the absence of striker Emmanuel Adebayor.

But Wenger explained that the Togolese centre-forward was injured.

“He has a small groin problem, like Mikael Silvestre. I also wanted to see Alex Song at the back.”

Following his comments in the wake of Manchester United's win over the Gunners in the Champions League, Patrice Evra was the subject of some heavy challenges by the Arsenal number 17.

Wenger can understand his players' frustrations in the aftermath of such 'disrespect'.

“I believe that no matter in victory or defeat, you should show respect to your opponents," said Wenger.

"The best answer is always to play good football and to give the answer on the pitch. Of course, players are sensitive to certain remarks. I felt, though, that we got some cheap yellow cards today.”

Peter Staunton, Goal.com