Erik ten Hag has stated that it’s ‘ridiculous’ to talk about Manchester United being six points behind Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal and in a possible race for the Premier League title, as he told beIN SPORTS.
Manchester United sent out their biggest statement of the ten Hag era when they came from behind to beat rivals Manchester City 2-1 at Saturday lunchtime.
This weekend of Premier League action was dubbed the ‘derby weekend’ because of the two Manchester clubs looking horns at Old Trafford and Arsenal making the short trip across north London to face off against Tottenham Hotspur.
Many Arsenal supporters would have been pushing for a Man United win because it now means that, if the Gunners beat Spurs on Sunday, then they are eight points clear at the top of the table after 18 matches.
But it could all be very, very different by this time next week.
Manchester United travel to the Premier League leaders next Sunday, who will want Antonio Conte’s men to win today because, if they win at the Emirates, then the gap between the two will just be three points.
Whilst supporters talk about the chance of Man United’s previously unthinkable title charge, ten Hag himself was having none of it.
On now being six points behind Arsenal: “It’s ridiculous to talk about titles in January, so don’t do that,” said ten Hag. “We are not even halfway. There is a lot to come. There are a lot of gaps in our game as well that we have to work on.
“When we keep calm, then we can achieve something this season. I am convinced about it. But it’s still a long way to go to restore Manchester United to where they belong. It’s a project not only this season. Of course, we want to achieve something.
“But we have to approach it game by game. There is a lot to come.”
DOOR IS OPENING
One thing is for sure, Man City are opening a few more doors compared to their previously dominant days.
The fate is in Arsenal’s hands and a chance for Man United to ruffle a few feathers that others didn’t expect.
If these chances aren’t taken now, then it will probably be a matter of time before the current champions of England are back to their usual self.
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