Wenger calm as United look to seize initiative

With Arsenal playing in Saturday's tea-time kick-off away to Everton, United could have seized a significant advantage if they win away at West Ham earlier in the day.

 Arsenal held the lead until Boxing Day, when they were overhauled by United, who won 4-0 at Sunderland, while they could only manage a goalless draw at Portsmouth.

 But Wenger said: "We have lost one game since the beginning of the championship so you will have problems to convince me we are in crisis.

 "If we go six months again by just losing none then we will be champions.

 "The expectations are very high and when you do not get to the game you want to play it is disappointing. If you ask me I prefer to be in front, but with one point difference that is not that big a deal.

 "I believe that if we just focus on our performances and get a good result at Everton then everything is all right."

   Everton, though, will be no pushovers, having lost just one of their last 15 games - to United last Sunday.

 United, meanwhile, have been backed to win the league by their former captain, the Sunderland manager Roy Keane.

 "I have said before my money is still on United and today (his side's 4-0 defeat) has not changed that, it has not wavered it one bit," Keane said.

 Chelsea face Newcastle knowing that, with the gap to the leaders already at seven points, they can't afford any slip-up.

 They have a severe crisis of personnel, though, with both Ashley Cole and Ricardo Carvalho suspended after being sent off in the 4-4 Boxing Day draw with Aston Villa.

 Frank Lampard picked up a thigh strain in that game, joining John Terry on the sidelines.

 Liverpool will look to keep their fading title hopes alive at Manchester City Sunday.

 At the bottom, Sunderland face a crucial game at home against a much-improved Bolton Wanderers, while Birmingham host manager-less Fulham.

 Wigan Athletic will be hoping to maintain their resurgence under Steve Bruce at home to Aston Villa.

By Ben James, dpa