Both United and Arsenal will be looking to bounce back and prove their credentials in the all-important clash at the Emirates Stadium. PHOTO: AFP
While Arsenal ceded first place to Chelsea after being blown away in a 5-1 defeat at Liverpool, United could only record a 2-2 draw at home to Fulham.
United midfielder Michael Carrick warned that he and his teammates were desperate to take their frustrations out on Arsenal.
“We’ll be ready,” he said. “It’s one of those seasons – setback after setback. We have to believe that with performances, things are going to change.
“There’s no better place to do that than on Wednesday night at Arsenal. We still believe we can go there and get the result we want.”
Meanwhile, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has described the defeat at Liverpool as an ‘accident’ and encouraged his players to respond by beating United.
“It is always a disappointment to lose a game, but I think it was an accident because we have been very stable defensively and we have to treat it like that,” he said
Milner confident City can resume normal service
James Milner is certain Manchester City will end their ‘mini goal drought’ when they welcome Sunderland to Eastlands on Wednesday.
After losing 1-0 to Chelsea and drawing 0-0 at Norwich, City have failed to score in consecutive matches for the first time since manager Manuel Pellegrini arrived before the start of this season.
Midfielder Milner believes the result against the resurgent Black Cats will be crucial.
“There’s a long way to go yet in the league,” he said. “We’ve just got to keep going and keep playing the right way and we know the goals will come.
“You see how close the league is at the top and everyone is scrapping for points and a win can make a big difference in your position.”
Rodgers calls for Reds repeat against Fulham
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has challenged his players to match the intensity they showed against Arsenal when they travel to bottom club Fulham.
And Rodgers believes the Cottagers will provide a stern test after drawing 2-2 at United.
“Every game is critical for us whether it’s a top team or a team at the bottom,” he said.
“Fulham showed against United that they’ve got some good players. It will be difficult playing against them and away from home, but we have belief and confidence in our play.”
Published in The Express Tribune, February 12th, 2014.
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