Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson believes that Arsenal were "unlucky" to lose to his side.

United all-but ended the Gunners' title hopes after a 2-1 win at Old Trafford in a game that Arsenal could have wrapped-up by half-time.

"The quality of that game today was outstanding," Ferguson told Sky Sports News afterwards. "Arsenal were the better team in the first half, we were a bit nervous, the passing was poor.

"When Arsenal scored it forced my hand [with two substitutions] and we did fantastically after that.

"It was just an incredible game."

Arsenal were the dominant force in the first half, while goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar made a string of top saves to compensate for his hesitancy when United conceded early in the second half.

"Van der Sar saved us at times and Arsenal were unlucky to get nothing from the game," Ferguson continued.

"We've got over a nervous day today, [because of] the games between the clubs over the years.

"There's been nothing in them, so this was a big, big game and we've come through it."

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger found positives in defeat and accepted that his title challenge was finished.

"I think we played with quality and spirit and I'm very proud of our performance," he declared.

"We had plenty of chances and were really unlucky not to win this game.

"For two months we have not been very lucky. With the quality of the performance we produce, it's difficult to blame anybody."

Reda Maher / Reuters