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from Cathy (cathyvpreece@aol.com)

The Sun

Giggsy: Gunners to crack

By NEIL CUSTIS

RYAN GIGGS believes Arsenal will crack under pressure and hand Manchester United the Premiership title.

Arsene Wenger's side go to Old Trafford tonight knowing that defeat will leave them needing to beat Everton to be certain of landing United's crown.

While everyone inside Highbury believes the title is theirs, United wing star Giggs is convinced the Gunners are about to shoot themselves in the foot.

Giggs said: "Some people seem to believe they already have the title in the bag but that's not the way I see it.

"If we beat them, they will have to get three points against Everton at Highbury on Saturday and, if this season has taught us anything, it's that any side is capable of beating any other.

"Of course, Arsenal would be the favourites, but I genuinely believe Everton are more than capable of upsetting the form book.

"The pressure would all be on Arsenal and I know from experience that funny things can happen when you get to the final day of the season with the Premiership trophy within touching distance.

"If they can handle that kind of pressure, then they'd be worthy champions, but we absolutely have to ensure we take it to the last game.

"Then we'll see what they're really made of."

Giggs has first-hand knowledge of how things get tough when you are in touching distance of the title.

The Wales star said: "I remember in 1999 when we played Tottenham on the last day of the season, we went 1-0 down and there were a lot of nerves.

"If you know you have to win, anything can happen."

Ideally Giggs would like to ram Arsenal's triumphant predictions back down their throats with a copycat victory from last season at Old Trafford.

Giggs said: "We've got a good record against them at home and, in the ideal world, I'd settle for a repeat of last year's 6-1 win.

"That would definitely give them something to think about for next season, whether or not they win the title."

Giggs' boss Alex Ferguson said: "The only thing we can do is win our game. If we do that it will keep the whole thing going and at least we'll have drama in the last game.

"It would also put the question in the Arsenal players' minds: 'Are we going to blow it?'"

UNITED boss Sir Alex Ferguson has a formidable Old Trafford record against Arsenal - losing just two of 15 league clashes while he has been in charge.

Ironically, both times, in 1997-98 and 1990-91, Arsenal went on to win the title.

Arsene Wenger's side were mauled 6-1 on their last visit to United in February 2001.

It was their heaviest defeat at Old Trafford since they were thrashed by a similar scoreline in April 1952.

The overall league record between the teams reads: Manchester United 67 wins, Arsenal 62 wins and 37 draws.

ARSENAL are out to become the first top-flight team since Preston North End in 1888-89 not to lose an away game all season, writes VICKI ORVICE.

The Lancashire club also won the Double that season - in the first year the league was formed.

Preston pipped Aston Villa and Wolves to the league crown, then beat Wolves 3-0 in the FA Cup final at Kennington Oval. The team included Bob Holmes, whose Cup winner's medal fetched £3,450 at auction eight years ago.

But Arsenal, who must avoid defeat tonight to equal the record, still have the edge on Preston.

North End played only 22 league games IN TOTAL that season. Arsene Wenger's men have already notched up 18 AWAY games unbeaten.

© 2002 News Group Newspapers Ltd.

(posted 7996 days ago)

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