It was almost as if the Red Devils expected to go to the Emirates and win Saturday’s match. Arsenal were missing the likes of Robin Van Persie and Emmanuel Adebayor, yet the 4-5-1 system adopted in their absence seemed to work a treat, nullifying the United midfield. Despite the visitors’ 2-1 defeat, it appears that they are staying calm when it comes to the title race.
Setanta reports that Edwin Van der Sar is remaining suitably relaxed about the champions retaining their Premier League title, despite now losing to both Arsenal and Liverpool. United are now eight points off the pace, yet the Dutchman is confident that this points gap can be bridged with all three of their main rivals still to visit Old Trafford.
“If we had won or drawn, we would have kept them below us in the table,” he said. “Now we’ve let them back in.
“But Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal all have to come to Old Trafford. We have to make sure we get maximum points from those games.
“Am I concerned? No. I think we have been unlucky in all three of the games against the big teams. The belief is still strong.”
While Manchester United will be favourites to beat each of these teams, they will be under pressure to take maximum points, while defeat at the hands of Liverpool or Chelsea might mean that they don’t land a third successive title on the bounce. Are Red Devils supporters still confident that their team can be triumphant this season, or is it now an outside chance?
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