Arsene Wenger admitted Arsenal are suffering from title nerves as his side blew their chance to storm back to the top of the Barclays Premier League.
Following the postponement of Manchester City’s clash against Sunderland, Wenger’s side had the chance to enhance their title challenge.
But a disappointing goalless draw against Manchester United last night leaves the Gunners in second, a point behind leaders Chelsea.
VIDEO: Scroll down to watch Wenger and Moyes verdicts on the game
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The goal is that way! Arsene Wenger admits Arsenal are feeling the pressure in the title race
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Stalemate: Arsenal were held to a goalless draw against Manchester United at the Emirates
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Consolation: At least Robin van Persie did not score against his former club again
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Spurned: Arsenal's Olivier Giroud (R) wasted a glorious chance to open the scoring for Arsenal
Liverpool’s dramatic 3-2 win at Fulham piled further pressure on Arsenal, with Brendan Rodgers’ side now just three points adrift in fourth. Wenger said: ‘I felt we were nervous tonight, yes. We are usually dangerous breaking through with speedy passing, but they defended very well. But it is not worrying because we care about what we are doing.
‘When you concede five goals like we did against Liverpool on Saturday, maybe that’s what you do. The team was highly focused on not conceding after Saturday.
‘We missed out on the chance to go top but a point keeps us in a the race. We played with the handbrake on tonight. I hope and think the handbrake will come off.
‘We’ve had two bad results, but we are still in a strong position.’
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Handbrake on! Arsenal missed the chance to return to the top of the table and now sit a point behind leaders Chelsea
Meanwhile, United boss David Moyes maintained his side will not give up on a top-four place, despite the gap to Liverpool growing to 11 points. He said: ‘I keep saying it, but I’ll try to win the next game and see if we can pick it up.
‘If there’s one club in history that’s been great at winning games in the second half of the season, putting pressure on other clubs, it’s been Manchester United. We’ll continue to try and do that, see if we can make it work. We can only do our job the best we can. We can only play better, we want to play better. We can’t worry about other teams. We just want to put pressure on them by winning our games.
‘Do they still have the hunger? I believe so. I see them, I think they’re great lads. Their attitude to training, their commitment is first class. They’re a great group of players, very experienced.
‘They’ve all got medals and when you’ve won you want more.’
‘They’ve all got medals and when you’ve won you want more.’
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Things could be worse: Arsene Wenger's counterpart David Moyes (L) saw United slip 11points behind fourth place
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Earlier yesterday United chief executive Ed Woodward admitted disappointment with the current run, but vowed to spend big in the summer. Speaking to investors on the release of the club’s quarterly financial results, Woodward said: ‘We are not in the position that we want to be and are working hard to change that. It’s fair to say we are focused on strengthening the squad. Historically we’ve had three sales and three purchases a year — it’s possible we’ll do more.’
United’s total revenue rose by 11.6 per cent in three months to a record £122.9m, although staff costs increased by £7.4m to £51.6m. Total operating expenses jumped by nearly 20 per cent for the quarter to £87.7m.
United defender Rafael was taken to hospital with concussion after last night’s game. He fell badly in a clash with Olivier Giroud.
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Up in the air! United defender Rafael (top) was taken to hospital after a clash with Olivier Giroud
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