Van Der Sar: Arsenal Have Surprised Me
Arsenal's fine start to the season has surprised Dutch goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar, who will be between the posts for in-form Manchester United when they take on the equally in-form Gunners at the Emirates on Saturday.
zoom - galleria Manchester United's goalkeeper did not expect Arsenal to cope with the departure of talismanic skipper Thierry Henry as smoothly as they have done.
"It would have been obvious to think they would have a poor season without Henry," Van der Sar told BBC's Football Focus ahead of the Saturday lunchtime showdown at the Emirates Stadium.
"But boss Arsene Wenger has an eye for talent. He motivates and educates them.
"They have done remarkably well and not many would have expected that. Arsenal are playing well and winning."
The club's all-time leading goalscorer, Henry moved to Barcelona in the summer but the Gunners scarcely appear to have missed him.
They are unbeaten in all competitions this season and head into the United showdown level on points with United but having played a game fewer and scored three goals more.
It will be a clash between two teams in top form - United have won their last eight games after collecting just two points from their first three league encounters.
But Van der Sar is not making any bold predictions about what United will achieve this season.
"It all depends on injuries - we had lots of problems with that towards the end of last season," he said.
"This season we have a bigger and stronger squad. The ingredients for having a great season are there, yet success is still so far away.
"If we are still doing well in all competitions during March or April then I'm sure it will be fair to ask me about our prospects then - but that is many months from now
