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Arsene Wenger: Arsenal dominated in second half at Manchester United

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger admitted that Manchester United "had started stronger than us" after watching his side salvage a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford thanks to a deflected late equaliser.

United were in front at the break thanks to a controlled low finish by Ander Herrera, with the visitors failing to muster much threat as the hosts dominated.

But as the clock ticked into the last 10 minutes, Theo Walcott's cross flew off Tyler Blackett's leg and past substitute goalkeeper Victor Valdes, on for the injured David De Gea.

The BBC quoted Wenger as saying: "They started stronger than us. We were not totally in there, but in the second half we dominated completely.

"Unfortunately we couldn't score a second goal, but the chances were there."

Wenger brought on both Jack Wilshere and Theo Walcott as they continued their returns from injury, and explained: "Jack is now back to a better level, Theo as well. When they score goals, that is a sign.

"We have a big squad and we are competitive. It was important to bounce back from defeat by Swansea and finish well."

Last season, Arsenal conceded 17 goals in three trips to the rest of the top four -- Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool -- whereas they have only let in three on the road at Stamford Bridge, the Etihad Stadium and Old Trafford in league fixtures in the current campaign.

Arsenal, who won away at United in the FA Cup, also beat City in Manchester and have drawn with Chelsea and beaten Liverpool in 2015.

#INSERT type:image caption:Theo Walcott's deflected effort gave Arsenal an equaliser at Old Trafford. END#

"We feel we have made progress we have been stronger against the big teams," Wenger said in a news conference. "That is a platform to be better."

"It is important for us, compared to last season, to exist in the big games. I think we've done that. We were slow to start this season, but I think we've made progress."

He said his aim was for the Gunners to "secure second or third and start on the front foot next season"

The draw at Old Trafford means United are now almost certain to finish fourth, with Arsenal avoiding a Champions League playoff.

"It takes the pressure off during the holidays and during the preparation. We have always that in mind when you prepare and it will be great when we do it," Wenger said.

The Londoners could also end the campaign as successful defenders of the FA Cup, which they won last season against Hull, with Aston Villa standing between them and retention of the trophy.

Information from ESPN FC correspondent Richard Jolly was used in this report.

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