Wenger - Race Still Open

Gunners boss claims no advantage to be had from early cup exit

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger insists Manchester United's shock FA Cup exit will not give them the upper hand in the Premier League title race.

The Red Devils slipped out of English football's most prestigious knockout competition on Sunday at the hands of arch-rivals, and League One leaders, Leeds United.

A 1-0 defeat at Old Trafford has ended any hopes Sir Alex Ferguson's men had of landing an unprecedented quadruple, but they remain in the hunt for Premier League, UEFA Champions League and Carling Cup honours.

It had been suggested that having one less trophy to worry about could play into United's hands, with the reigning top-flight champions avoiding a potentially hazardous fixture backlog.
However, Wenger insists FA Cup fixtures only impact on European action and is adamant that those sides looking to wrestle the Premier League crown away from the Red Devils will not be adversely affected by their continued involvement in the tournament.

"Manchester United won't gain a great advantage in the Premier League, it is more with the Champions League that the FA Cup is conflicting," said the Frenchman.
"The fifth round is just before a Champions League game and before that we play a lot in midweek.

"But at the moment, I don't think Manchester United have gained an advantage in the title race."