AND ON IT GOES

Last updated : 02 December 2004 By editor

Fergie:

“Van Persie was lucky to stay on. The FA must look at it because the boy threw an elbow. I asked the referee why both players had been booked, he said 'for aggressive intent' and told me he hadn't seen the elbow. I cannot understand why Kieran was booked for the incident as well.


"It was certainly a very quick goal! I think Arsenal might have been caught off guard and one of their players slipped in the build-up to it. It was a good start for us and we should really have finished them off in the first half. We played some good stuff and created some good opportunities but just didn't take our chances. I thought Arsenal played some nice football in terms of possession in the second half but they never really threatened.

"I think we were comfortable and they only had one shot at goal from a free-kick. That was maybe our biggest problem though - the players knew they were only a step away from the semi-finals and I think we tended to sit back on what we had which was a bit disappointing."

“We ended up looking nervous in the second half. but that’s always been the danger of this club, leaving everyone hanging on.


"The same players will play in the semi-final. Hopefully we can do well again because it would be terrific to get to Cardiff. But overall we have to be pleased as we have a semi-final to look forward to.


“I will stick with the same players because they have got us there and they deserve the opportunity to play in the game.


"There were some good performances out there. David Bellion did very well and I thought Liam Miller was outstanding, as were Wes Brown, John O'Shea and Phil Neville. David Jones also did well when he came on in midfield.”


Fergie also took a swipe at Arsenal’s behavioural issues in his programme notes:

"We know how to lose. We've the best disciplinary record in the Premiership and have won the Fair Play League four times out of six. I'm proud of the way my players handle themselves. Will we ever forget the reception our fans gave Arsenal when they won the championship at Old Trafford?

"I thought it was magnificent the way our fans were able to swallow their disappointment and applaud Arsenal's victory."

Wenger:

"I did fear it was going to be worse than a yellow card, it could have been. Robin shows great potential but he must also learn to keep his nerves under control and not get over-excited. I considered bringing him off because he was involved in some heated moments.

"If we had a couple of experienced players or been able to play two or three more games, I think we could have done better. We were a bit lightweight and didn't have the penetration to create the chances we needed. But even though we are frustrated at going out of the competition, it is still a positive night because one or two of the players showed they were nearly up to first-team level."

Arsene couldn’t resist a little dig of his own though,

"At the moment in England we are moving towards a trend where teams play five across the middle and one up front. It is very efficient but it is more boring for the spectators.

"The system is working for Manchester United in the Premiership so they used it with their reserve team as well. In the second half they were happy not to come out and to win 1-0, and we lacked the weight or experience to break them down."

David Bellion:

"It was difficult because there was a lot of tension and everyone was hungry - so it was like a fight, a battle. But it was a good game. What was important was to play well, keep the ball and not lose it - we needed to concentrate on this.

"My goal was good for confidence and we kept the result - this was a positive thing. I was happy for the team. It was a good opportunity for the youngsters and people who have not played too many games to impress the manager and get a place in the first team.

"I don't think I've ever scored a goal as quickly as that! I remember getting the ball and I decided to take my chance - I was very pleased to see it go in.