'The Christmas period is always so important and we’ve got to make sure we don’t have any slip-ups. We are inclined to have the odd draw or defeat over the festive period, but that can’t happen this year because we need to keep our momentum going in the league.
Beating Arsenal played an important part in building up that momentum and I think it gave the players a big lift. They realised they weren’t playing well before that game but now they know they’re back on form again and the 3-0 win against Southampton was another example of that.
One other thing I want to mention is the reception Alan Smith received from the United fans when he went off with a head injury. I read a couple of newspapers over the weekend and also watched Match of the Day, but there was no mention of the fans’ ovation. They stood up as one all around the ground to show their appreciation for Smithy. He’s got great ability but the effort he puts into every game is fantastic and the fans absolutely love him for that. So I must say well done to the fans for the way they cheered him off the pitch.