Gary Neville has admitted players from both sides let themselves down in Manchester United's tumultuous 4-2 win over Arsenal at Highbury on Tuesday.

Neville was at the centre of the pre-match tunnel bust-up that led to an angry confrontation between Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira before the teams had even entered the field ahead of the clash.

Although the full-back managed to stay out of the most contentious incidents, both Vieira and Ashley Cole were clearly shown diving, while Wayne Rooney was fortunate to escape a first-half red card for a fierce and abusive outburst at referee Graham Poll, before Mikael Silvestre was dismissed for butting Freddie Ljungberg 20 minutes from time.

While Neville claims there were some players who went beyond the boundaries of acceptable behaviour, he recalled his own dismissal for butting Steve McManaman against Manchester City last season as evidence of what can happen when passions run high and insisted there would be no lingering resentment between the teams.

''A couple of our players might be disappointed with themselves and I am sure a couple of theirs will be as well,'' said Neville.

''I think they were a little bit wound up before the game because what happened in the tunnel was nothing to do with us.

''But that is not a criticism, these things happen in football. It happened to me against Manchester City last season.

''It doesn't mean anything. There are no bad thoughts lingering about their players. They are good players and a good team.''

While most of the viewing public were transfixed by the heavyweight duel, Neville claimed the first half in particular had not been very pleasant.

With too many scores being settled and petty fouls punctuating the contest, Neville did not derive too much enjoyment from the Highbury battle until after the interval.

''The first half was horrible,'' he said. ''It wasn't just that we were losing. The players didn't seem to play. It was like everyone was just trying to get the better of everyone else. I don't think anyone could have enjoyed it - watching or playing.''

What the contest emphasised was the impregnable team spirit that still exists at Old Trafford despite Chelsea's recent rise to prominence. Silvestre seems certain to be hit with a heavy fine by his manager for the uncharacteristic attack on Ljungberg, with Wes Brown due to step in for Saturday's Old Trafford clash with Birmingham.

Ironically, it was Brown who saw red on United's last Premiership away day at Liverpool, although as last night, it did not stop the Red Devils collecting maximum points.

Ferguson acknowledged Poll had no choice but to dismiss Silvestre, but overall the United boss will be privately gratified that his players stuck up for each other admirably during every flashpoint of a stormy encounter.

Keane set the example by sticking up for Neville, who bore the brunt of Vieira's pre-match verbal attack.

But while the Irishman's actions are sure to make Neville the butt of a few dressing room 'minder' gags, the defender reckons the camaraderie generated by a decade challenging for major honours could provide the platform for an unlikely title drive.

''I don't know if beating Arsenal opens up the title race,'' admitted Neville. ''But we are in a great run of form. We have great confidence and an unbreakable spirit that is built on foundations that have been solid for a number of years, not just when you have the odd good season. That is what you saw against Arsenal.