Under pressure...

By Chris,
November 3 2008

Arsene Wenger says his side "have to beat" Manchester United next weekend as pressure mounts on the Arsenal boss. After throwing away two points against Spurs last Wednesday, the Gooners were beaten by Stoke on the weekend placing the title aspirations of the North London club firmly in doubt. The Red Devils travel to Ashburton Grove on Saturday afternoon in a 12.45pm kick-off.

Both clubs have European Cup commitments before next weekend's showdown - Arsenal hosting Fenerbahce and United travelling to Glasgow Celtic - but Wenger has his eyes placed firmly on the visit of Sir Alex Ferguson's side.

Wenger has been under-fire from large sections of the media after his Arsenal side fell to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Stoke on the weekend. The long-throw of Rory Delap twice bamboozled the Gooners backline leaving them fourth in the league - one point behind United, having played a game more.

"I don't know how many more defeats we can afford," he said. "It's very difficult to say.

"We first have to win our next game and we have a chance again when we play Manchester United on Saturday.

"There is no better game in which to come back from a defeat and from a confidence point of view. It will also give us a chance to show we have quality."

United's last visit to the Emirates ended in a 2-2 draw last November. A last-gasp equaliser from William Gallas denied United maximum points. Since then, Arsenal have twice come to Old Trafford and have suffered two defeats - including a 4-0 thrashing in the F.A Cup fifth round.