As Sir Alex Ferguson prepares for the match he describes as his side's ‘biggest of the season’, the Manchester United boss suggests that the game at the Emirates will be decided by a moment of genius.
Where that flash of inspiration comes from this time is anybody’s guess, but Sir Alex reckons it could all boil down to a personal showdown between two of the best players in the Premier League – his own Wayne Rooney, and Arsenal’s fellow talisman Cesc Fabregas.
"The Premier League is full of great players and they are two of the best," he said. "Fabregas has always been the important player for Arsenal and over the last few weeks, Wayne has hit great form."
Rooney’s goals have come thick and fast in recent weeks and his levels of performance are nothing short of amazing. Not that Fergie is in any way shocked.
"Sometimes players just hit consistency to a level you hope goes on for a long time," said Ferguson. "He is in great form but it doesn't surprise me because he has always had that capability.”
Rooney’s infectious enthusiasm clearly rubs off on his colleagues, who must sometimes wonder just where their key man is going to pop up next. "Wayne thinks he could play centre half but he is at his best when he is as high up the pitch as possible," said Ferguson.
"He has the strength and energy and courage to run in between players, get beyond players and hold players off. All the great strikers have needed courage."
The United boss sums up the Sunday showdown at the Emirates as thus: ”Sunday's game has great relevance because both sides have a genuine chance of winning the league."
