London, Mar 27: Wenger is preparing Arsenal for Sunday's league clash with Manchester United in the belief that last tomorrow's ugly scenes at old Trafford have been the key to his side's success this season. Four Arsenal players -- defenders Lauren and Martin Keown, Captain Patrick Vieira and fellow midfielder ray parlour – were fined and banned for their behaviour in a 0-0 draw with the champions that sparked widespread condemnation. But Wenger believes the furore forced Arsenal to improve their disciplinary record and concentrate on the kind of football which has earned them a nine-point lead in the table. ''I feel it was the turning-point,'' Wenger told reporters. ''With them missing the penalty in the last minute, us not losing and then having to deal with all the incidents. ''We dealt well with the situation. We came out and said we were sorry and it's not how we want to behave. And since that, we've focused purely on football.'' The Frenchman believes his players are provoked by opponents, but added: ''where we have improved a lot is that we deal much better with provocation than before. ''You have to choose -- are you focused on fighting or on Football...This is a good opportunity to show we have improved not only with our behaviour but also with our football.''
Bureau Report