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Giggs changes mind on City's threat

Ryan Giggs admits that Manchester City are going places © PA Photos

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Ryan Giggs has upgraded Manchester City's rival status following Sunday's derby at the Etihad Stadium, ranking their performance alongside Arsenal at their peak.

In the lead up to Manchester United's 3-2 victory the Welshman said that Liverpool was a bigger rivalry than what their neighbours could offer.

London rivals Arsenal were also labelled as a 'brilliant' team in the early 2000s by Giggs, while the current City side were merely classed as 'good.'

But after Yaya Toure and Pablo Zabaleta eroded United's two goal lead in a breathless second half, Giggs has recalibrated his opinions.

"Each derby over the last three years has intensified," Giggs told the Daily Star. "The build-up is longer, the feeling if you win…it is better than ever.

"Two quality sides, both at the top of the league - there's no better feeling. The manager gave us the day off and we don't get many of them!

"With Arsenal we had so many battles, skilful games but tough as well. I felt the game was like that on Sunday."

United cannot rest easy on their six-point lead at the top of the Premier League either according to Giggs as City's elimination from Europe will give them the advantage of concentrating all their efforts on picking up maximum domestic points.

Meanwhile United will have to contest mid-week Champions League games, sometimes leaving only two-and-a-half days to recover before league action kicks in.

"City will have the week to prepare whereas we might have tough European games," said Giggs.

"They will have the advantage for the league. We are used to it though. It all depends on when the games are and who we have got. But if it's Wednesday, then 12.45 in the Premier League on the Saturday, it can be tough."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.