Gunners restore pride with battling draw at Old Trafford

MAN UTD 0-0 ARSENAL Arsenal restored some pride with a battling draw at Old Trafford - but couldn t delay United winning their 18th league title. Robin van Persie missed a gilt-edged chance to give Arsenal the lead when he headed over from just six yards

MAN UTD 0-0 ARSENAL

Arsenal restored some pride with a battling draw at Old Trafford - but couldn't delay United winning their 18th league title.

Robin van Persie missed a gilt-edged chance to give Arsenal the lead when he headed over from just six yards in the early stages and he went close near the end with a viciously struck free-kick.

Cesc Fabregas also hit a post in the closing minutes as the Gunners gained a foothold against a subdued United side, but they could not find the winner which would have sent the title race into the final weekend of the season.

However, Arsenal end the campaign having taken four points off the champions and losing just once in six games against the top three sides.

After deflecting unprecedented criticism from Arsenal fans, Arsene Wenger reiterated his belief Arsenal are closer to United than people think.

"They (United) were the better team this year and congratulations to them," he said.

"Let us make sure it in on our side next year. In sport things can change quickly.. . since November we have lost just one game (in the league) and were remarkably consistent."

Wenger also admitted his young side were overawed when they lost to United at Emirates in the Champions League - and praised them for the ''authority'' they showed on Saturday.

"I believe we played with a lot of heart and desire," he added.

"When we played in the Champions League we were inhibited a bit by the occasion - it was too big perhaps - and in the second leg we had no chance to play the game.

"Today we showed we have the quality. We played a lot of authority on the pitch."

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