Manchester United clearly dictated the pace of the game, but only have one goal to show for it in their 1-0 European Champions League defeat of Arsenal last night.
Arsène Wenger boldly predicted Arsenal would make Manchester United regret not turning their superiority into the hard currency of more goals for Sir Alex Ferguson's team. Daniel Taylor of the Guardian reports that Wenger admitted his side had been outplayed but expressed his confidence that "a different Arsenal" would retrieve the situation in the second semifinal leg in London on Tuesday.
"It was a difficult game for us and when you look at the number of clear-cut chances that Manchester United created then, of course, they were on top," he said. "The positive for us is that it's only 1-0 and next week, playing at home, I am confident you will see a different Arsenal."
"We still have a good chance to reverse the result. We have the quality to do it and we believe we do it. The tie is still very open. They [United] will have regrets because they didn't get a second goal and it's down to us to make sure they regret it. It's a good opportunity to show our character and mental strength. There's a final at stake and, don't worry, when we are playing at home and can reach a final we will be up for it. I'm confident because I know we will be on top on Tuesday."
Ferguson was disappointed that his side didn't take more advantage, but his comments were more of the glass being half-full than half-empty.
"The most positive aspect is that before the game we spoke about trying to win without losing a goal and we've done that," he said. "The performance was very good and we've given ourselves a really good chance. The tie is obviously not over but we have players who can score a goal at their place and we have shown that we definitely carry a goal threat. We know we can go there and score and that's the problem for Arsenal."
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