Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira has backed manager Arsene Wenger's verdict that the Gunners are the best team in England.
Manchester United won the Barclaycard Premiership title, overhauling an Arsenal lead which at one time stood at eight points.
Vieira blamed Arsenal's inability to win the "ugly" games on their failure to retain the title.
The 26-year-old feels the fighting spirit at Highbury is not as strong as it was when he arrived in London, and believes Alex Ferguson's side have "more hunger", even though there were "really rubbish" at times this season.
"I have seen Manchester United so many times on television this season and they were playing really poor football - really rubbish," he said.
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"When I was watching they just did not play well. But United have this or that player who comes up with a trick, they score a goal and then they win one-nil or two-nil.
"I think that was the difference this season. Arsenal are the better team. In fact, there is no doubt that we are the best football team in England.
"I tell you, Arsenal play fantastic football, but what has been shown is that playing fantastic football is not enough.
"We did not know how to win enough of the ugly games this season."
Meanwhile, Vieira revealed he is ready to turn down a move to Real Madrid or Juventus if Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger strengthens his squad for next season.
Vieira, who has only a year to run on his current contract, could walk away for nothing next summer which could lose Arsenal a potential £25 million transfer fee.
Arsenal, hoping to finance a £300 million new stadium, have hit some serious financial problems and cannot afford to lose such a prize asset.
Vieira, 27 in June, wants to hear Wenger confirm he will not be forced to sell any of his stars and can add to his squad.
"I know I'm in a good position with only a year left but the club want me to stay and I want to stay so that is a good start," Vieira said.
"If the boss says we will fight to be at the top, of course I will be with him. All the time he's been here he has kept his word."
The Gunners skipper discusses his future with Wenger after Saturday's FA Cup final against Southampton which Vieira misses because of a knee injury.