ARSENE Wenger reflected on the ‘‘best preparation’’ for Arsenal’s Champions League clash with Manchester United after they saw off the challenge of relegationthreatened Middlesbrough 2-0 with a brace from captain Cesc Fabregas.

The Gunners are now all but secure in fourth place following a run of 20 league matches without defeat.

With leading scorer Robin van Persie still sidelined by a groin problem, and Russian playmaker Andrey Arshavin cup-tied in Europe, the double salvo by Fabregas and the return to fitness of goalkeeper Manuel Almunia could not have come at a better time.

With such a vital Champions League tie only some 72 hours away, Wenger would have been forgiven if he had rested a couple of his key men in front of the watchful eyes of Sir Alex Ferguson in the crowd.

However, Arsenal named a strong starting XI and remained positive from the outset, with victory secured by well-taken goals from their captain in each half.

‘‘The first target was to win the game, and that is the best preparation,’’ Wenger said.

‘‘At 2-0, you could see maybe the [thought of the] Champions League started a little bit to resurface or surface, but it was a very good game against a Middlesbrough team who played in a very positive way.

‘‘We dominated it, we made some brilliant passing and some brilliant combinations – especially the first goal, I believe was absolutely outstanding.

‘‘You could see the team enjoys the way we play and loves the game.’’ Wenger added: ‘‘It is better today to win than lose and rest players.

‘‘It [fourth place] is now not completely definite, but it is ten points with four games to go.

‘‘We can focus now on catching Chelsea.”