Football: `Incredible goal'

ALEX FERGUSON, the Manchester United manager, praised Ryan Giggs's winning goal as fantastic and said his side was better than Arsenal in the first game and the replay.

"It was a goal of genius - as good as John Barnes' for England against Brazil and Ricky Villa for Spurs in the Cup final against Manchester City," he said. "But in the context of a game like this I would have to say it stands alone. It was an incredible goal and an incredible night - just fantastic."

He had no complaints about the dismissal of Roy Keane for a tackle on Arsenal's Marc Overmars, and he saluted the grit of his players for playing through injuries.

"We knew right away it was rash tackle. He [Keane] walked away right away," he said. "The players have played in agony to get the victory. Ryan Giggs has injured himself near the end, also. There's a lot of pain in the dressing-room."

His opposite number, Arsene Wenger, said: "I am very sad today because it was not our night. That's football. I would like to congratulate Manchester United. They were fantastic."