Jubilant Wenger is ready for Old Trafford backlash

While Manchester plotted revenge, north London was fired by a determination that, unlike Arsenal's two previous Doubles, the third will be built upon.

When in 1971 Bertie Mee's side won the league at White Hart Lane – a venue even more poignant than Old Trafford in Highbury hearts – it failed to usher in a period of Arsenal dominance. They surrendered the title to Derby and did not win it again until that emotional night at Anfield 18 years later. The 1998 Double did not achieve Arsène Wenger's desired "shift in power" in English football as Manchester United claimed the treble 12 months later.

"Since I arrived at Arsenal, Manchester United have won the title three times; they are 3-2 ahead and now we want to equalise next season," Wenger commented. "The first title (in 1998) seemed natural but then in between I experienced the other side because I lost a few times, so to come back and win it means more as it is never easy to repeat success."

For Arsenal, success next season will be measured in terms of progress in the European Cup, in which they have never reached a semi-final and in which they lost five of their six away games this season. Despite ongoing rumours about his departure, Patrick Vieira, who has been critical of Arsenal's Champions' League displays, said he had no plans to leave Highbury and expressed optimism for the future.

"We have a young team who are capable of being a force in the next few years," Vieira said. "Since the boss came to the club he has been working really hard for its future. There will be a new stadium and with the players we have it should be a great future for Arsenal."

Wenger, nevertheless, expects a backlash from Old Trafford. "When you know the financial potential of Manchester United and the quality of their players, I think they will come back stronger next year but we want to be stronger too. What this team has achieved is tremendous and will go down in history."

Ferguson and Manchester United, who in August were odds-on favourites for the Premiership and are still favourites to win it next year, can be vicious when beaten. On the last two occasions they finished a season trophyless, in 1995 and 1998, they responded by winning the Double the following year.

"Some people react in adversity. I have always done that and we'll be ready next season," said Sir Alex Ferguson, while hinting that he agreed with the comments of his captain, Roy Keane, that certain players at Old Trafford were not fully committed to the cause. "The important thing is never to be complacent," he added. "Maybe some players have been, but certainly we haven't been on the staff.

"Over the season our home form has not been good enough. Our early-season form was the foundation for failure but without doubt losing six games at home is a lot."

While Wenger pointed to the victory over Liverpool at Anfield in December when down to 10 men as Arsenal's pivotal match of the season, Ferguson named the draw at Derby County in March as United's decisive moment.

"I felt that day it could cost us," he said. "With 10 minutes to go we gave away a stupid goal. It was a game we should have won by six and instead we drew 2-2."

However, it was the fact that the title was surrendered in Manchester which will sting hardest. "We let our fans down by letting Arsenal win the title at Old Trafford," Phil Neville remarked, and it will be a long time before the Stretford End and the North Bank forgets.