The Manchester United challenge is bigger than other matches- Unai Emery

The Arsenal manager also revealed that he feels his side needs to show strength against the Red Devils.

Since the season started, Arsenal are in scintillating form under their new manager Unai Emery. The Gunners are coming from an emphatic win in the North London Derby against Tottenham Hotspurs and are looking forward to collect three vital away points against Manchester United.

The Arsenal boss spoke to the press after the derby and ahead of their crucial clash against Manchester United. Unai Emery opened up about his reaction on the derby win and also expressed himself about the atmosphere at the ground.

"The picture is better but we are very demanding of ourselves to find more things to improve. For example. we conceded two goals yesterday and we need to improve in these situations defensively.

He also expressed his feelings about the atmosphere at the stadium during the North London Derby, "I enjoyed the big atmosphere from every supporter because I know it’s special for them. After I was calm and I knew it was three points. So it was a good first experience of the derby against Tottenham."

He also said that the team's focus is now on the next match as they travel to Manchester ahead of their clash with the Red Devils.

The Spanish tactician was also questioned whether his expectations for the first season has changed or not considering the positive run the Gunners are enjoying at the moment.

"We are speaking every day about how we can do our way. We weren’t happy when we drew three matches [in a row]. In that moment, we are very demanding to change that moment. Now we’ve won our last two matches in the Premier League." 

Emery mentioned that he wants the Gunners to improve their performance against Manchester United

"In this moment, we have the same points as Tottenham but we are travelling to Manchester United on Wednesday and we need to keep our [level of] performance and improve," he added.

"We know that it’s very difficult to win there. I prefer every day to work thinking about the next matches. At the moment, we have the consistency in our mentality. We are calm, we know we need to improve and enjoy each moment, like yesterday. It’s a short moment though, today we are working and thinking about Wednesday." he went on adding.

Arsenal are currently fourth in the Premier League table and with teams like Chelsea and Tottenham in close vicinity, the Gunners cannot afford to take any game lightly. Although there is a huge points difference between the leaders, Manchester City and Arsenal, speaking of which Emery was also quizzed about their title chances.

"At the moment, one thing is clear: some teams have an advantage [over] us," he opined.

"One is very clear, it’s Manchester City. The difference between their points and our points. But also for the goals and conceding goals, there’s a big difference to us. Another difference [is] between Liverpool and our moments [which are] not very big, but I think it’s an important difference also."

"With the performances, with the points, with the goals scored and conceded, we are the same as Chelsea and Tottenham - that’s the reality.We want to progress and not think about them, but think about the next match. The Premier League is the first competition for us, but we also have very exciting [prospects] in the Europa League, Carabao Cup and the FA Cup," Emery stated.

"I want us to do one way, to think about the possibility - maybe not this year, because it’s difficult - but [in time], to approach one title here with the team," he told.

"It’s about progress, improving and our demands" the Arsenal manager added.

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The Spanish tactician seemed very focused about their latest game against Manchester United. The Red Devils have not been their best this season, as they are placed 8th in the league table. However, the Arsenal boss does not want his side to get carried away and also wants them to improve away from home.

"It’s a new match, a new challenge, a big challenge. It’s away and we need to continue improving our mentality away. We know we need to change to get more competitive away. I think the team is doing that, but it’s a new challenge because we’re going to play against Manchester United away, and the challenge is bigger than other matches."

"For us, it’s a very exciting match. The preparation for this match is also a big motivation for us. It gives me a big motivation for Wednesday."

"If we are stronger now, we need to [show that] on Wednesday."

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Emery also spoke about his former player Juan Mata who is currently plying his trade at Manchester United.

"He’s a very good player and a very good person, I had a very good experience with him in Valencia at the beginning of his career. Then he came to the Premier League and I think he’s a very important player here, first at Chelsea, then at Manchester United," Emery concluded.