WEEKEND PREVIEW

“I know it will be physical at Old Trafford. I remember the game at Old Trafford with what happened with Van Nistelrooy. Everyone remembers that one. I'm looking forward to it. I know it will be tough but I said when I joined Arsenal that you will never see me jump when the tackles come in. I'm not as strong as some but I'm not scared either.

“England is tough, more physical. I knew it would be very physical and I was prepared for that.

“I played in Germany and I'm used to that. I had a very hard time in Germany at the start of my career because teams would play with a man-marker on me and it was difficult, so it was good preparation for England. The Manchester United game will be very difficult for us. We haven't started well in the Premier League but I hope this win will make us more confident and then we can win at Manchester.”

Van Persie on Ashley Cole's accusations about Arsenal spirit:

“I think that's nonsense. This is a very good team. The boss mentioned this was almost the best team he's ever had when you look at the players we have, and I agree with that.

“We have a young, talented squad, a good mix. I think that's all nonsense. You don't get to the Champions League final without spirit and commitment. That was only a few months ago.”

Gilberto Silva:

“If he did say those things it is completely wrong. He knows that inside of him. He knows the atmosphere at Arsenal has always been good.

John Terry on the title race in the Mirror:

“We put Liverpool out of it when we won up at Anfield at the start of last season and I can see why people might be saying that it's down to us and United if we can both win.

“When we played United a few years ago at home on the first weekend and beat them it set the tone for the whole season. When you can do that and win a big one it can be a massive statement.

“We know that the other teams will be watching to see what we do and if we can go out there and play well against Liverpool and win the match, the likes of United and the rest will have to stand up and pay attention to us.

“United are playing well at the minute but they've got to keep winning.”