Fergie said: "The fans don't want to see their heroes coming off, but two games in four days after being out for a while takes its toll.

"We can't deny Arsenal deserve to win. We had some opportunities but not enough to win.

"It's a disappointing result but I don't think it was a bad performance - but we can play better."

Fergie also refused to criticise Cristiano Ronaldo for losing possession in the lead-up to Arsenal's winner.

The Scot said: "Ronaldo lost possession because he will always try to beat men. That's the kind of player he is and the kind of player we want here.

"He's a great player and these things happen - it could have been any other player. This was Arsenal's first win after four games and our first defeat after five. It's a difficult league.

Adebayor's winner put an end to United's 100 per cent record by handing Arsenal their first win of the season at Old Trafford.

Ronaldo was caught in possession by Fabregas and his neat pass put Adebayor in the clear.

United debutant keeper Tomasz Kuszczak had earlier saved Gilberto's penalty after he had brought Adebayor down while the Gunners needed Jens Lehmann to preserve the win with an astonishing late save from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.