"I believe we'll be up for it and have the quality," said the Frenchman as he stood before Geoff Shreeves. Remarkably oblivious, or simply blinded by optimism? In truth, no one will have expected such a rout from Manchester United which Arsenal became victims of - eight goals to two? Stunning.
I've said it before, and will say it again; at the moment, the two clubs are the complete antithesis of each other. In quality, in depth, in direction, in experience, in know-how, in common sense, in understanding of the game, today, they were miles apart. Yes, Arsenal had a weakened side, but conceding eight goals is incredible, and to concede eight goals when you are expected to be challenging for trophies is quite unbelievable.
Wenger cut a lonely figure on the away team bench, and as Theo Walcott and Robin Van Persie came off the join the substitutions, none of them could muster the tenacity to look each other in the eye. The Arsenal team were humiliated and embarrassed by some awful defending, amateur mistakes and a huge lack of Arsene Wenger's favourite two things; "spirit" and "belief."
Manchester United and Sir Alex Ferguson on the other hand, were full of confidence on the back of two successive Premier League victories, and had no room for sympathy. It was a day in which their biggest rivals in City had won at Spurs, scoring an impressive five goals, and United aren't ones for being second best, especially against the blue side of their City, so winning against Arsenal was the only option.
Indeed, after winning convincingly against Tottenham on Monday, United were favourites for this game, and from the off, there didn't seem to be any doubt that this would be a game to remember for this young United side.
There were some fantastic individual performances in the United team, but it was the way that they played together which was so impressive, especially considering the expectation on their young shoulders - and yes, there was expectation. As favourites to win the big match throughout the weeks build-up, it would have been easy for the players to become complacent, and take a win for granted in front of the home crowd.
From the defence, through to the midfield and up to the two young and exceptionally talented pair of Englishmen in attack, the team was confident, assured, lucid and ready for the challenge before them. Admittedly, it didn't turn out to be too big of a challenge but it is a sign of a strong footballing side, when the players can punish the opposition whatever level they play at just like they did against the Gunners.
The Welbeck opener spelled disaster for Arsenal, as a cheeky chip from Anderson flew over the defence, and left Johan Djourou in no man's land for Welbeck to show his strength and nod the ball passed the unfortunate Sczcesny.
The Polish goalkeeper had very little defence throughout the game, with the four at the back getting drawn to the ball instead of staying with their markers too many times. Against United, you simply cannot do that.
Rooney grabbed a hat-trick, and in doing so, his 150th, 151st and 152nd goals for Manchester United, as he comes closer to cementing his place among the United legends. Ashley Young grabbed a sublime double, Nani, who was quite frustrating throughout as he complicated simple moves with often unsuccessful shows of needless extravagance, finished with a cool chip into the net, while Park came on for the Portuguese winger to score his customary goal against the Gunners.
David de Gea's penalty save while United were one goal ahead was crucial for both his confidence in himself and the fans' confidence in him, as well as for the route to victory in the game, however, he needs to better with shots like Theo Walcott's which from a tight angle, crept beneath his legs. He is improving every game, and soon the creases will be ironed out for this young talent, much like the whole United side.
While the goals were extremely well worked, creative and scored and created by some marvellous talents, Arsenal didn't pose a great challenge, and United will have to keep improving to beat the best. It just so happens that they have the best manager in the world to guide them in that fruitful, trophy winning direction.
As for Arsenal, like I've said before, Wenger's need for spirit and belief simply is not enough to realistically compete when they have a severe lack of quality players in their squad depth. It is a ferociously rocky period, and pressure is rising dramatically, but with a few signings, players back from injuries and suspensions, a manager given full support and confidence, Arsenal could be back to winning ways soon. The pivotal word in that sentence being "could." Nothing is guaranteed.
