Sir Bobby vows to keep battling

Last updated : 05 March 2003 By Martyn Elliott

Despite the Gunners’ eight-point lead Sir Bobby believes that both Manchester United and ourselves can have a say in the destination of the trophy.

"We'll keep chasing them until the end," he told the Daily Telegraph. "You never know what could happen in football. Injuries occur or a player that looked strong might become jaded.

"It's a long old season, particularly with the Champions League as well. We might not go on in the Champions League but I am sure Arsenal will and there will be a reaction to that in the Premiership programme.

"We cannot drop too many points and still win the championship. We'll keep winning as many as we can and hopefully Arsenal will drop some points.

"I don't think they'll run away with it. Manchester United are a wounded animal and the Worthington Cup final defeat will have hurt (Sir) Alex (Ferguson) and his players. They will go on until the bitter end."

And of tonight’s game at Middlebrough he told The Journal: "Middlesbrough will be tough but it's a game I desperately want to win.

"It's important for the Premiership that we try to stay in the title race because it would be no good for anyone if Arsenal raced away with it.

"But Newcastle are in a position now where we have like-for-like replacements in every position and I can't see this squad diminishing in quality.

"Just look at the defensive options open to me - I have nine players across the back who are all very capable and experienced at this level.

"I have an idea of what my best back four is but I can afford to make minor changes."