Wenger admits title race momentum is with Manchester United
Arsene Wenger says title race momentum is with Alex Ferguson's Manchester United, who says Avram Grant's Chelsea are still in contest
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Saturday, 01, Mar 2008 07:51
Arsene Wenger admits the Premier League title race momentum is with Manchester United after his Arsenal side dropped points for the second week running.
The Gunners lead United by just one point after disappointing draws against Birmingham and Aston Villa in their last two games.
In the same time Sir Alex Ferguson's team have scored eight goals in comprehensive away victories over Newcastle and Fulham.
Speaking after today's 1-1 home draw with Villa, secured courtesy of a last-gasp equaliser from Nicklas Bendtner, Wenger said "the momentum is with Manchester United".
But the Frenchman insisted that he still expected his team to win the Premier League, explaining "but of course for me Arsenal are favourites".
"I believe the point we gained today will have a big impact on the Premier League, and staying top helps," he insisted.
"You know you go through a spell like that and I believe that the point gained can have vital importance," Wenger continued.
"For the observers we will not be favourites and Manchester United will be but I believe that we are top, a point in front, have [lost] just one game all season and maybe in a bad spell at the moment but we will bounce back and I am confident we will do it.
"That point today can make a big difference."
Ferguson, whose side beat Fulham 3-0 at Craven Cottage today, meanwhile emphasised how the title race had 'see-sawed' all season.
He too acknowledged the momentum was now with his team, saying: "The players are showing a great appetite to play and the team spirit is very good.
"Results like those in the last two games against Newcastle and Fulham will only help that."
The Scot has already insisted the Premier League title is being contested by three clubs, with Chelsea underlining their credentials with a 4-0 thrashing of West Ham.
"[Arsenal and United] are looking over our shoulders at Chelsea, who enjoyed an emphatic win at West Ham," Ferguson told MUTV.
"So it looks as if it's going to be a fantastic run-in."
Speaking after his side's Upton Park victory, Chelsea manager Avram Grant said his side was doing "everything they could" to take the title race to the wire.
"I personally always fight and never give in so I will not start at my age to do it," Grant added.