‘Fantastic’ Park’s absence frustrates Ferguson

South Korea’s Park Ji-Sung scored the goal that put Manchester United on top of the Premier League table after a 1-0 win over Arsenal, leaving manager Alex Ferguson with mixed emotions.

While delighted by Park’s agile 41st-minute header at Old Trafford that saw United climb to the summit, Ferguson was frustrated by the midfielder’s impending absence on international duty.

Park is set to link up with South Korea for the Asian Cup, which takes place in Qatar from January 7-29, and Ferguson was left ruing his departure at a key stage of the season.

“He’s in fantastic form and we will lose him after December 26 for the Asia Cup for seven matches, which is disappointing,” said Ferguson.

United’s win over Arsenal means they will go to champions Chelsea, now three points adrift, on Sunday with confidence sky high.

Victory at Stamford Bridge will ensure they spend Christmas Day at the top of the table for the first time since 2006.

And a win on Sunday would be an ideal way for Ferguson, who will then have been in charge for 24 years, one month and 14 days, to mark his achievement in surpassing fellow Scot Sir Matt Busby as United’s longest-serving manager.

“We had to play well against Arsenal and we wanted to perform and we did in the first half,” Ferguson said. “We played very, very well.

“I don’t think it was a feisty game, also the referee was lenient in the first half and in the second half he showed yellow cards at the right time.

“You have to expect the two top teams to compete like that.”

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger insisted the title is still a realistic target for his side, searching for their first major trophy since the 2005 FA Cup.

“It’s a big frustration, a big disappointment,” he said. “What’s important is that we bounce back in the next game against Stoke on Saturday.

“After what I’ve seen tonight, there’s no reason not to believe.”