Arsene Wenger has heaped praise on his Arsenal players following their "superb" all-round display against Manchester United.

Three goals inside 20 first-half minutes proved enough for the Gunners to brush their opponents aside.

Wenger, who has once again come under intense pressure over the past few days, admits that his side simply caught United off guard with their flying start at the Emirates Stadium.

"We did not give them any chances to score and that was vital," he told BBC Sport. "We surprised them with our start. From Petr Cech to Theo Walcott we only had superb performances.

"I have managed many strong teams and never had one that played 60 games at the same level. You have to accept that, we are human beings."

Next up for Arsenal following the two-week break is a trip to take on Watford at Vicarage Road.