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Wenger admits United clash is 'must win' situation

13/04/2008

Arsene Wenger has admitted Arsenal must beat Manchester United at Old Trafford today to stand any chance of claiming the Premier League title.

The Gunners have only won once in their last seven league fixtures which has seen them fall from top of the table to their current position – six points adrift of United.

With only five games remaining this season Wenger admits his side must take the opportunity to deny United points and haul themselves to within three points of the leaders.

The Gunners boss said: "It will be the greatest achievement of my career to win the Premier League now because we are swimming against the stream at the moment.

"[It is] the game of the season. If we do not win this game we have no chance."

United manager Alex Ferguson sees the match as an opportunity to knock the Gunners out of the title race once and for all.

However, despite the north London side's recent loss of form Ferguson says he is still expecting a tough match.

"Five games to go is not a lot of leeway for them. They can't afford to drop any points," said Ferguson.

"But that doesn't make it any different for us in our preparations for an Arsenal game because they are always very competitive games anyway."

Arsenal midfielder Gilberto has told his team-mates not to lose faith and believes that, with United still having to travel away to Chelsea, anything could happen

He said: "Maybe things can happen - you never know. The important thing for us is to try and forget what happened against Liverpool."

Arsenal will hope to repeat their 1-0 win over United at Old Trafford last season when Emmanuel Adebayor scored a late winner.