Patrice Evra labels Arsenal a 'training centre'

Pa
Friday 10 December 2010 12:40 GMT
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Evra says Arsenal are 'in crisis'
Evra says Arsenal are 'in crisis' (GETTY IMAGES)

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Manchester United defender Patrice Evra has mocked Arsenal for their lack of recent success and branded them nothing more than a "training centre".

The title contenders meet at Old Trafford on Monday night with Arsene Wenger's men currently topping the table, a point ahead of United although they have played a game more.

Evra remains unimpressed, however, and believes they offer style but little substance.

He told Canal Plus: "Arsenal is a training centre. I watch them play and enjoy it but will they win the title?

"That's what people remember.

"Arsenal are a great club but it has been five years since they won anything and that for me is a crisis.

"We could lose to them on the 13th but then what? There is nothing (for them), there will be no trophy, nothing.

"Our real enemy is Chelsea. We are more concerned with Chelsea's results than Arsenal's, even if we know Arsenal are a great team who can beat Chelsea, us or anyone."

Despite his criticism, France full-back Evra relishes the meetings between United and the Gunners.

He added: "When you play against Arsenal it is a lot of fun.

"They are a team that play football. They won't come to Old Trafford and put 11 men behind the ball.

"The difference is we play football but also have power.

"Sometimes they don't kill matches off while we are more efficient."

In response to Evra's criticism, Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri told Canal Plus: "We are not children and we will demonstrate that on Monday.

"We will show Manchester United that Arsenal have really grown."

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