Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson praised Arsenal and admitted Arsene Wenger's side were unfortunate not to get at least a point at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Fergie's champions took a giant step towards retaining their Premier League title by coming from behind to register a crucial 2-1 win over the Gunners.

It gives them a six-point lead over Chelsea at the top of the table.

"I think Arsenal have been unlucky not to get something from the game. You couldn't ask for more from a team than Arsenal produced today and we've still managed to win," Ferguson said afterwards.

"The quality of that game today was absolutely outstanding, you won't get a better game this year."

Ferguson felt the turning point in the match was the introduction of Anderson and Carlos Tevez 10 minutes into the second half.

"They were the better team (in the first half)," he admitted.

"I thought we were a bit nervous, our passing was poor. I couldn't wait to get to half-time.

"There was always going to be a part for Tevez and Anderson to play and when Arsenal scored it forced my hand. And we were fantastic after that. Wayne (Rooney) could have had a hat-trick.

"But Arsenal had fantastic moments too, it was just an incredible game. Van der Sar's had a fantastic game (in goal). His confidence and experience shone through and it saved us at times."

United meet Blackburn next weekend before travelling to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea in a potentially decisive game on April 26.

"If we win the two games now we're champions," Ferguson said.

"We've got over a nervous day today. That was a big, big game and we've come through it."

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