Arsene Wenger insisted Arsenal's 2-1 win over Manchester United on Saturday was the perfect response to critics who claimed his club were lurching towards a crisis.

Wenger's side had gone three games without a win after blowing a two-goal lead against Tottenham, then being roughed up by Stoke and frustrated by Fenerbahce. But French winger Samir Nasri got the Gunners firing again as his double strike sealed a vital victory over United at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal are firmly back in the title race and Wenger said: "I can take criticism. I am in a job where you have to accept that. There is only one answer to give, that is the quality of your performance on the pitch.

"I knew it was a big game for the future of the team. To keep in the race and know you can win big games is vital for the players," the French boss added.  "It was vital to win of course but it was a great game with both teams really going for it.

"Manchester United are a great side and they created chances but they didn't take them and we took ours," Wenger went on.  "We couldn't finish the game off with our counter-attacking and they scored late, so we were bit nervous in the six minutes of stoppage time. You don't know whether to go for a goal or keep the ball. But overall it was a great performances from the team."

Sir Alex Ferguson admitted his side's poor finishing had been decisive but the United manager insisted the European champions deserved something for their contribution to a thrilling game.

"The number of chances we had was incredible. Our finishing was the area we let ourselves down, without question," Ferguson said. "It was fantasy football. It was like playground stuff, you attack, we'll attack but they got the goal that matters. We gave away a really bad goal for the second goal. It was really poor defensive play.

"But in fairness to my team, their determination and drive to rescue the game was fantastic. We probably deserved something but it was a great game," the Scot said. "Some of the football from both teams was magnificent. I don't think you'll see a better game anywhere in the country.

"Sometimes you have hold your hands up and say if you are going to get beat make sure it is by someone who plays good football and they played some good stuff at times."