Wenger Still Looking Over His Shoulder Following Latest United Setback

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has refused to rule Manchester United out of the title race despite David Moyes' side now lying 12 points adrift of the league leaders.

A 86<sup>th minute strike from Bryan Oviedo ensured that Everton left Old Trafford with a 1-0 victory to confine the Premier League champions to their fourth defeat in a season where the club have failed to kick into gear following Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement.

Meanwhile Arsenal secured a comfortable 2-0 victory over Hull City to extend their advantage at the summit of the table to four points, 12 ahead of United who lie in ninth place following their defeat.

Despite United's sluggish first half of the campaign, Wenger believes it would be foolish to rule United out of mounting a comeback however, but insists his focus will remain solely on his side's fortunes, and not on those of teams around his.

"It is a surprising defeat (to Everton) but it is still early," Wenger said following his side's victory at the KC Stadium.

"We have seen that before, 12 points, only on us. We have just to keep winning to have a chance, and not worry too much about the others."

United's loss to Everton - their first at home to the Toffees for 20 years - was exacerbated through Wayne Rooney picking up a yellow card, his fifth of the season earning him a one match man ensuring he will miss the visit of Newcastle United this weekend.

With Robin van Persie also struggling for fitness thanks to a groin injury which has ruled him out since the victory over Arsenal last month, United find themselves short of potent attacking options.

Danny Welbeck has failed to score since his brace on the opening day of the season against Swansea City, while Javier Hernandez has found the back of the net just once in the league this term, although he has added another three in Capital One Cup ties.