Source: Daily_Mail
Arsene Wenger insists Arsenal are still in Premier League race despite Manchester United defeat
Defiant Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger maintains his team will 'still have our say in the destiny of the Barclays Premier League title. [LNB]The Gunners, who were today handed a nightmare Champions League last-16 draw against Barcelona, were knocked off top spot following their 1-0 defeat at title rivals Manchester United on Monday night. [LNB] United win: Park Ji-sung celebrates after scoring against the Gunners on Monday [LNB]However, should this weekend's fixtures survive the latest bout of Arctic conditions which are set to sweep across Britain, Arsenal could find themselves back at the summit come full-time on Saturday afternoon if they beat Stoke at the Emirates Stadium. [LNB]United are scheduled to go head-to-head with Chelsea on Sunday, while third-placed Manchester City, level on points with the Gunners, host Everton on Monday night. [LNB]Thumbs up: Wenger says Arsenal are still in the title race [LNB]Given Chelsea come to Emirates Stadium on December 27 and City are the visitors on January 5, Wenger knows his team's destiny remains very much in their own hands.[LNB]'We are disappointed because we lost at Manchester United, but we have an opportunity to go back to winning habits at home,' the Arsenal manager said. [LNB]'What is positive is if you look overall at our situation, we are still in a strong position because we still play Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City at home, Liverpool as well. 'More than ever, we will still have our say in this league.' [LNB]Wenger, though, accepts the fact one or both of their title rivals are set to drop points at Stamford Bridge on Sunday will be meaningless if his team do not produce the required result against Stoke. [LNB]'What I want to see is us winning the game on Saturday and then to watch the game on Sunday in a relaxed way,' he said. 'What is important is we win our games. [LNB] Ryan's return: Shawcross is set to face a fiery response from the Emirates fans [LNB]'You cannot always speculate on the results of others - you only have a chance to do well in the league if you win your own games.'[LNB] There has certainly been no love lost between Arsenal and Stoke in recent meetings. However, Wenger has called for a line to be drawn under Ryan Shawcross' tackle which left midfielder Aaron Ramsey with a double leg fracture and is sure to see the Potters captain singled out by the home supporters tomorrow. [LNB]Earlier this season, Stoke boss Tony Pulis was left enraged by Wenger's comments suggesting his team employed rugby-style tactics against Tottenham, writing to the authorities in complaint. [LNB]The Arsenal manager remains cautious of Stoke's threat, both physically and tactically. 'I think they are offensively more dangerous than before because they have [Kenwyne] Jones, [Ricardo] Fuller, Jermaine [Pennant] and [Matthew] Etherington,' Wenger said. [LNB]'They are very dangerous on the flanks with good crosses and in the middle. 'When you play against Stoke you know you will need a very solid defensive game. [LNB]'I think they have improved on the footballing side so they are a dangerous side for anybody.'[LNB] Wenger maintains he has no issues with how any manager sets their team out. [LNB]'I don't think I have a better style than anybody,' the Gunners boss insisted.'You can only manage at a football team with your own personality and I respect everybody's personality.'[LNB] Not again! Arsenal to face Barcelona in Champions League as Spurs face AC Milan, Manchester United draw Marseille and Chelsea meet CopenhagenAll the latest Premier League team news ahead of the weekendMatch of the season? Man United v Arsenal was rubbish, slams KeaneARSENAL FC NEW S FROM ACROSS THE WEB [LNB] Explore more:People: Tony Pulis, Ryan Shawcross, Arsene Wenger Places: Barcelona, Liverpool
