Arsenal, a club in crisis: Evra

(GSM) – Manchester United defender Patrice Evra has branded Arsenal as a ‘training ground, taking a swipe at the club for their lack of silverware recently, ahead of the highly-anticipated clash between the two clubs.

Arsenal head into the match as leaders of the Premier League, having defeated Fulham last weekend as United’s game at Blackpool was postponed due to the weather conditions.

But despite the Gunners’ position, Evra has branded Arsenal ‘a club in crisis’ due to the Emirates club’s lack of trophies in recent times.

The France international told Canal+ television: “For me, Arsenal is a football training centre. You watch the match, you enjoy it, but are you going to win a title afterwards? That’s what people remember.

“It has been five years since they won anything and for a big club like Arsenal, that is a crisis.”

Evra remains unconcerned by any threat Arsenal may pose, instead focusing on Chelsea as United’s main rivals in the title race.

He said: “We can lose against them on the 13th (Monday), but at the end of the day, what is there (for Arsenal)? There is nothing. There are no trophies, there is nothing.

“Our real enemy is Chelsea. We are more concerned with Chelsea’s results than those of Arsenal, even if we know Arsenal are a great team who can beat Chelsea, us (United) or anyone.”

And while acknowledging Arsenal’s attractive football is enjoyable, Evra believes that his team’s efficiency is what grants them the edge over their rivals.

“When we play against Arsenal, it is really fun,” he said. “They are a team that plays football who will not come to Old Trafford with 11 men behind the ball.

“We also play football, but the difference is that we also have strength.

“Sometimes, they cannot kill off matches. We are more efficient.”