DEVON LOCH

Last updated : 24 October 2004 By Editor

"I know that from our own experiences in the Premiership. I'm sure that nobody at this club has forgotten that we threw away a 12-point lead in 1997-98 which allowed Arsenal to nip through and take the title. And we nearly blew a similar lead a couple of seasons earlier when Blackburn nearly caught us at the death.

"And, of course, Newcastle were also 12 points clear at the top in 1996, but we pulled it back to claim the championship trophy.

"It would have to be a big, big recovery if Arsenal find themselves 14 points ahead of us after tomorrow's match, but there is still a lot of the season left and it could be done.

"I expect us to beat Arsenal.

"They will be quite happy to go home with their 11-point lead intact. A draw will suit them better than it would us.

"But Arsenal know that we are capable of beating them. We are the one team they would prefer not to play when they are trying to make it 50 unbeaten Premiership matches on the trot.

"In all my years at this club, my experience is that when the chips are down and we need a result, we invariably do well. And that is what I'm expecting from my players tomorrow.

"I am really looking forward to the match. As a manager I relish occasions like this.

"I think everyone recognises that United and Arsenal are the two biggest clubs in England. The history of the Premiership shows that, in most seasons, if we don't win the title Arsenal will - and vice-versa.

"I can remember when we lost 3-0 at Highbury and when we beat Arsenal 6-1 at Old Trafford but normally not too many goals are scored in matches between the two clubs, which is a bit surprising when you consider the attacking nature of both teams."