Warnock hails 'career-best' win

Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock hailed his side's 1-0 victory over Arsenal as the best night of his Bramall Lane career.

United produced a stunning, resilient performance to end Arsenal's six-match unbeaten run and give themselves a first league victory over the Gunners for 33 years.

The victory ended back-to-back defeats over the Christmas period for the Sheffield club, to the delight of Warnock who said: "This is one of the best nights in the seven years I have been here. It was a fabulous atmosphere, one I have never experienced the like of during my time at this club."

Young French striker Christian Nade, signed on a free transfer from Le Havre in the summer, scored his first Premiership goal for United with what proved to be the winner in the 40th minute.

Then on the hour the Blades lost goalkeeper Paddy Kenny to a groin injury, which resulted in Phil Jagielka taking over the gloves.

It was Jagielka's third position of the match as he played at centre-back for the first 26 minutes before an injury to Mikele Leigertwood saw him switch to midfield, before he moved between the posts for the last half-hour.

United defended brilliantly for that closing 30 minutes, with Jagielka making just one save, a tip-over from Robin van Persie's shot that was drilled into the ground.

Warnock added: "It was like when I was a kid watching United play, and for any young lad coming here tonight (Saturday) this would have been special for them.

"We deserved to win. We played some good stuff - blood and thunder.

"It was like a good old-fashioned English cup tie, and even though we were decimated with problems you can't fault any of my players."