Saturday 3 October 2015 13:06, UK
Louis van Gaal is expecting a stern examination for his Manchester United side on Sunday from an Arsenal side eager to bounce back from their Champions League disappointment.
Ahead of the eagerly-awaited Super Sunday Sky Live contest, United have moved to the top of the table for the first time in more than two years, and van Gaal has spoken confidently about what victory at the Emirates Stadium will do for his team in terms of their belief in their title bid.
He is also a great admirer of Arsenal's style, though, and has no doubt Arsene Wenger's men are capable of responding to their critics following the shock 3-2 home defeat to Olympiakos.
Asked how he thought the Gunners would be affected on Sunday by the defeat in Europe, the United boss told his club's website: "That I don't know of course - I am not there, I am here and we are happy.
"But I think Arsenal can come also back off a defeat. They have showed that a lot of times. I think Arsenal are one of the best teams in the league, in a technical and tactical sense - maybe the best. I like the way they play. Nevertheless, they haven't won so much so you have to look for that improvement with their team."
Van Gaal has expressed concerns about his own side - who played their Champions League game this week on Wednesday, beating Wolfsburg 2-1 - being affected by fatigue.
And he said: "It is very difficult and Arsenal had also one day more because they played the day before us so it shall be a difficult game."
The Dutchman has also stressed the need for United themselves to get better, despite Wednesday's victory being their fourth in a row in all competitions.
He added: "We can improve and we have to show it against Arsenal, it is not an easy match but we have to show it."
United defender Phil Jones is happy that he and his team-mates have been able to answer their own critics by climbing to top spot.
"It (being top) is a great boost for us and it raises a few eyebrows," Jones said.
"Hopefully we can keep raising a few more because our results and performances have been very good this season and hopefully we can keep it going. When we were winning games, it was never enough goals - it was 4-0, we should have won 10-0. You always get that. They are there to make judgemental comments."
The 23-year-old England international has been eased into his comeback from thrombosis, making substitute appearances in each of United's last three games.
"Having had what I have had, it was the wisest decision," he said. "But I am fit now, I am itching to play and hopefully I can be a part of it."
