UNHOLY ALLIANCE

Last updated : 10 December 2002 By editor

From the Sun by SHAUN CUSTIS

Manchester United's Ole Gunnar Solskjaer crossed the line when he questioned the team spirit of the Double- winners after their 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Manager Arsene Wenger is adamant their spirit is something which is never in question.

Solskjaer told SunSport he found it funny how Arsenal players were arguing among themselves.

Wenger, regrouping and preparing his troops for the Champions League visit of Valencia tonight, gave Solskjaer a few home truths.

"Our spirit is one of our great assets. We have a winning spirit."

"We are top of the league in England and in the second group stage in the Champions League. If the spirit is bad, you can't do that."

Wenger is puzzled that his team's capitulation in Manchester has cast doubt on their ability to stay the Premiership course and push on towards Champions League glory. He said: "I accept they were more determined in the fight but it doesn't mean our spirit was bad.

"United had three shots on goal in the entire game and we had two. They didn't create a lot and neither did we. Once they scored they just wanted to defend and had the whole crowd supporting them for doing it."

"I don't think they produced an exceptional game. The clearest chances were created by us - we didn't get a lesson up there. If you look at the first 25 minutes you would think there could be only one winner, Arsenal."