Arsene Wenger 'surprised' by Manchester United's 6-1 loss

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has branded Manchester United's 6-1 loss to Manchester City yesterday afternoon as a "surprise" result.

The Frenchman also compared the match to the one in which his side was defeated 8-2 by United at Old Trafford two months ago.

"It's a surprise," he said. "But France nearly beat New Zealand in the rugby [World Cup final] and that was a surprise.

"Like when we lost 8-2, the big scores have no special meaning, it only means something special happened in the game.

"When you are in a position where you have to attack with 10 men against a good side you are vulnerable. It's not that you lost three points, but the emotional aspect of a result like that remains in your head."

Wenger's side required late goals from Robin van Persie to record a 3-1 win over Stoke City yesterday.