Source: Daily_Mail
Without Tevez and Ronaldo, Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri doesn't fear going to United
Samir Nasri used to fear facing Manchester United because he knew their forwards were capable of tearing teams apart.[LNB] But even after Sir Alex Ferguson's side built an enviable record at Old Trafford this term, Arsenal's prolific midfielder claims they have lost their edge.[LNB] Top Gunner: Nasri (right) has been the star man for Arsenal in recent weeks[LNB] 'United are not the same team as before with Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez,' said the 12-goal Frenchman, who heads to Manchester for one of the biggest games of the season tomorrow.[LNB] 'It was a little bit scary to play at Old Trafford. Now I don't think offensively they are the same as before. We are really confident to get a result out of this game.'[LNB] Nasri is buoyant after Arsenal took their place at the top of the Premier League and he notched five goals in his last six matches.[LNB] He also has a point or two to prove after Patrice Evra ramped up his criticism of the leaders. The United defender has dismissed Arsenal's title chances, whatever the result tomorrow.[LNB] On a theme similar to his 'men against boys' attack last year, Evra also claimed last week that Arsene Wenger has built nothing more than an unproductive training camp at his club.[LNB] 'We will show him that we have grown up,' said Nasri, who believes Arsenal are ready to end their trophy drought in the most open title race for years.[LNB] 'This season is the best chance to win something - but not because some teams have lost games. I think we have a good chance because everybody is more mature and for the first time as well we don't have too many people injured. We are top of the league and we will enjoy it.'[LNB] On fire: Nasri bursts through to score his second goal against Fulham last weekend[LNB] Cesc Fabregas is close to a return from a hamstring problem and while Thomas Vermaelen is a major long-term absentee, Arsenal are coping better with their problems than many of their rivals.[LNB] While Wenger's side have struggled unexpectedly at times at home, they have been on their mettle away with five wins and two draws from eight games.[LNB] This, as well as a couple of classy goals against Fulham last week and progression in the Champions League, has fuelled Nasri's belief in Arsenal's prospects at Old Trafford and beyond.[LNB] 'It is good preparation for the game against United,' he said.[LNB] 'The difference when we play away is that we defend much better. Our discipline and shape is more efficient when we play away.[LNB] 'I'm quite confident because we can play our game and we know we can score at any moment away.'[LNB] Perhaps the best example of that this season was at Manchester City in October, when Arsenal won 3-0 and Nasri scored. That game went some way to addressing his team's previously embarrassing record against the bigger clubs such as City, United and Chelsea.[LNB] These are the clashes Wenger says will decide the title race, so if Arsenal's away form proves better than United's at home, it could be a key moment in the season.[LNB] Danger men: Carlos Tevez (left) Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United[LNB] They will have to be aware of Dimitar Berbatov, whose record at Old Trafford this season - he has scored 10 goals there in the Premier League - is impressive.[LNB] But half of those came as Blackburn capitulated in a 7-1 defeat and the team's talisman, Wayne Rooney, has struggled desperately for form and fitness. In terms of United's potency, there are not many who would argue that Sir Alex Ferguson has successfully replaced Ronaldo, either.[LNB] By contrast, Nasri has solved one of Arsenal's major problems by lightening the load on Cesc Fabregas.[LNB] It used to be the Spain midfielder whom Wenger's team looked to for inspiration and goals to get them out of trouble.[LNB] However, when Fabregas has been absent this season, Nasri has coped capably with those responsibilities.[LNB] After two full seasons in England, he is blossoming as he approaches his 100th Arsenal game tomorrow. 'I had a good break this summer for the first time in my life,' said Nasri.[LNB] 'Last year I broke my leg in preseason and that made the difference. I'm used to playing in the Premier League now, I have my mark. I'm confident and all my team-mates are confident with me.'[LNB] Wenger believes that Nasri's omission from France's rebellious World Cup squad last summer was a big help.[LNB] The midfielder's movement has also improved, according to the manager.[LNB] 'The French players who were at the World Cup had to overcome mental tiredness because it was not a good tournament,' said Wenger. 'They did not get a good welcome back in France.[LNB] 'I don't know if Nasri has been the best player in the Premier League this season, but he is good enough for me.' [LNB] Ferguson makes appeal to Manchester United fans: Leave Wenger aloneMy boys in the snoods suffer from bad necks, says Gunners boss Wenger [LNB] [LNB] Explore more:People: Alex Ferguson, Cristiano Ronaldo, Dimitar Berbatov, Carlos Tevez, Wayne Rooney, Patrice Evra, Thomas Vermaelen, Arsene Wenger Places: Manchester, Spain, France, United Kingdom
