Source: Team_Talk
Weger relishing title battle
The Gunners enjoyed a period of fierce rivalry with United at the turn of the Millennium as Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson battled for domestic supremacy.[LNB]A lot of water has passed under the bridge since then, with the arrival of a certain Jose Mourinho at Chelsea helping to thaw what had been a frosty relationship between the two coaches.[LNB]Arsenal last won the championship during the unbeaten campaign of 2003/04, but were genuine challengers three seasons ago when their lead was eventually overhauled by both United and Chelsea.[LNB]This year, though, the signs are Wenger's youngsters, lead by captain Cesc Fabregas, can come of age - having clawed themselves back into contention with seven wins from the last 10 league games.[LNB]Arsenal started a run of potentially defining matches with a goalless draw at Aston Villa, which sees them now two points behind Chelsea, whom they face at Stamford Bridge next weekend, although having played a match more.[LNB]Wenger is relishing the challenges ahead.[LNB]"We love it," declared the Arsenal manager.[LNB]"Of course it was our dream to be in this position in this period of time and we want to show it now.[LNB]"We know that to be successful in this period is to be more of a team than the other teams.[LNB]"We have to think how much strength and how much solidarity it takes to get through a period like this - so that is what we want to show on Sunday.[LNB]"We are really up for it. We are on a good run. We have good momentum and we want to continue that."[LNB]Wenger added: "I believe that no matter what happens after these games, we will still be in a position where we will have a chance, but it can put us in a very strong position - and that is what we want.[LNB]"We have had the first hurdle which demanded a lot of commitment from us and we must be capable to repeat that again."[LNB]While showdowns between Arsenal and United may not retain the drama of those from previous campaigns - such as the infamous 'Battle of the Buffet' when the Gunners' 49-game unbeaten record came to an end at Old Trafford in October 2004 - Wenger still feels the confrontations will always be highlights of the fixture list.[LNB]"I look forward to it because it is a match which always promises good football," said Wenger.[LNB]"Manchester United and Arsenal have had some tough games, and sometimes they were not easy on the physical side, but both teams always tried to play.[LNB]"It was very rarely a boring game, you always thought at the start it would be a great football game, and so you love that."[LNB]Wayne Rooney is enjoying a fine season with United, having netted 21 goals in all competitions this term.[LNB]The England striker, though, maintains it would be "nonsense" to suggest the Red Devils were a one-man team, and Wenger agrees.[LNB]"I do not think they are over-reliant on Rooney," the Arsenal manager said.[LNB]"They changed their system a little bit the other night [against Manchester City in the Carling Cup] and did not play with two strikers.[LNB]"They played with only Rooney up front and then of course he becomes the focal point of the game, but they have plenty of players.[LNB]"For example, in the game on Wednesday night, [Ryan] Giggs was as well very influential.[LNB]"Rooney was at the end of things, but Giggs created a lot in the game."[LNB]Veteran Sol Campbell could be in line for a first appearance at Emirates Stadium after rejoining the club as centre-back Thomas Vermaelen is doubtful with a knee problem picked up in midweek.[LNB]United are missing Rio Ferdinand as the England defender starts a four-match ban.[LNB]With Croatia striker Eduardo out because of a hamstring injury, Wenger is toying with the idea of having target man Nicklas Bendtner, fit again after groin surgery, lead the attack.[LNB]"To start Bendtner is going through my mind, but he has only had one training session and 20 minutes of action in three months," Wenger said.[LNB][LNB]
