Monday 24 November 2014 11:38, UK
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal played down the significance of his side's first away win of the season – a victory at Arsenal that propelled them into the Premier League top-four.
Kieran Gibbs' second-half own goal and a breakaway second from Wayne Rooney saw United win 2-1 at the Emirates on Saturday Night Football, Olivier Giroud pulling one back in injury time.
It was achieved amid United's lengthening list of injured defenders, with Luke Shaw withdrawn in the first half because of a knock to his ankle.
And Van Gaal told Sky Sports: “It was a fantastic victory. We have a lot of injuries and despite that we won a difficult away match at a very good time.
“They are a great attacking team and I knew that in advance, and that’s why I chose this counter-attacking strategy. I can laugh now but it could have been a different game.
“It’s the first away victory and the players are very excited but it’s just one victory and we have to confirm it by winning the next two home games.
“Then we can say we have the spirit and we can look up, not down, in the table.”
United have taken seven points from four games that have included clashes with unbeaten league-leaders Chelsea, champions Manchester City and a trip to the Emirates.
Van Gaal said: “I remember all the questions before this series of games against Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal. The media was saying it was a test.
“Well we have finished this test now and it’s fantastic to be in the top-four.”
