Sir Alex Ferguson was full of praise for the Manchester United defence as the Red Devils beat Arsenal 1-0 at Old Trafford to go two points clear at the top of the Premier League on Monday.
“Our back four were magnificent tonight, with that foundation, it always gives us a chance. We have to play well to beat a team like Arsenal and I think we performed well tonight, particularly in the first half,” Ferguson toldSky Sports.
In an evenly balanced game the winning goal was scored by Ji-Sung Park with a first half header but Ferguson commented on the impending absence of the South Korean.
"Park's record against Arsenal is very good, and he’s in fantastic form but unfortunately we’re going to be losing him after the 26th for the Asian Cup so we’re going to miss him for seven games, which is disappointing.”
United could have doubled their lead as they were awarded a penalty after a handball by Gael Clichy and Ferguson was surprised that Wayne Rooney wasted the chance to score from the spot.
“It was an unusual penalty, and Wayne will usually keep it down and I’ve never known him to hit one over the bar. It gave Arsenal a bit of impetus but we managed to hold on.”
United can strengthen their hold on the top of the table when they travel to Stamford Bridge on Sunday to face Chelsea and Ferguson is pleased with his team at the moment.
“We’ve got a difficult game against Chelsea on Sunday, it’s a very important game to come. I think our form is improving, and with the back four playing like that it gives us consistency which always gives us a chance.”
