Following Robin van Persie’s fine display versus West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, Arsene Wenger hailed the in-form Dutch international as “world-class”.
“I don’t know where he ranks [compared to other Arsenal greats],” said the Gunners boss.
“The only thing I know is that he is world class.
“When I was a kid they had in Germany a ranking of national class, international class and world class, and in world class were only four or five players, or maybe even ten players. I would put him in that calibre.”
Arsenal were able to dominate West Brom at the Emirates Stadium, while still maintaining the all important clean-sheet.
All in all, it was Arsenal’s best team performance of the 2011-12 season.
“The spirit of the squad was right from the first to last minute,” said Wenger.
“We worked well together and I always was positive with the team because one month ago we were in a very bad situation.
“You felt there is a desire to do well and now it goes better it is still there. This team wants to improve, wants to work hard and wants to get better and better. That is the most satisfying aspect today.
“They didn’t switch off when they led 2-0 and that is not always the case. Overall it was a controlled performance. We had complete domination today. We are getting stronger. We scored five goals last week, three goals today and didn’t concede, so overall it is a very positive afternoon.”
Manchester United honoured Sir Alex Ferguson’s legendary 25-year spell as the club’s manager by unveiling the “Sir Alex Ferguson stand” at Old Trafford on Saturday.
The Scottish boss was overwhelmed with emotion following the surprising honorary announcement.
“I was really emotional. I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t expect that. I have to thank the club, it’s fantastic of them to do that. I’m really proud of this moment. Mike Phelan knew about it but never told me, so he’s sacked! I had absolutely no idea,” said Fergie.
In the midst of a serious dip in form following the infamous 6-1 home loss to the “noisy neighbours”, Sir Alex was satisfied with the Red Devils’ spirited performance.
“It was a long day for me,” said the United boss.
“I’d have been quite happy if the referee had blown the whistle when we went 1-0 up and finish the game at half-time. It was an anxious day for the players and I think they showed that today. They improved in the second half but that last 15 minutes was torture. Sunderland threw everything into it and played very well.”
“I think the players wanted to do well for me and that showed. These occasions can be a bit that way. I remember when we celebrated the (50th) anniversary of the Munich air disaster and we lost to City here 2-0. It certainly got to the players that day no question and there was maybe a bit of that today.”
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