England striker Wayne Rooney scored twice to break the 100-goal barrier for the Red Devils while Dimitar Berbatov, Michael Owen - with his first goal for the club - - and Nani also found the target in a 5-0 romp over Wigan at the DW Stadium.

Ferguson said: "You have got to react to defeat and it is always a challenge. But we got a really good response today.

"When you are making chances and dont take them it is a worry. We made six chances in the first half and did not take any.

"But the important thing is to have the patience to keep playing and keep believing and we did that."

Abou Diaby marked his 100th Arsenal appearance with an impressive display including the two opening goals in a 4-1 win over Portsmouth, and is aiming to continue his good form in order to end the campaign in South Africa.

"I know it is a big season for me," the France international said.

"Of course, the World Cup is in my mind. We have to qualify first, but I want to be there and make sure I am in the team so it is one of my targets for the season."

Younes Kaboul pulled one back before the break - but William Gallas and substitute Aaron Ramsey ensured a comfortable finish as the Gunners maintained their 100% Barclays Premier League record.

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy was impressed with Manchester City's attacking prowess in their 1-0 defeat at Eastlands, but not so with the defence.

"If they can carve out as many chances against everybody else as they did against us, brilliant," said McCarthy after watching his team lose to Emmanuel Adebayor's first-half strike.

"But if they let everybody else carve out the chances that we did, it is different."

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce urged his team to make the Stadium of Light a fortress after the Black Cats clinched their first home win of the season, 2-1 against Blackburn.

Kenwyne Jones struck after 32 minutes to cancel out Gael Givet's opener, and then added a second nine minutes after the break.

"We want people to come here knowing Sunderland are going to perform well and won't be just easily pushed over and bullied," said Bruce.

Jozy Altidore made a swift impact on his Hull debut as he came off the bench to set up Kamel Ghilas for the only goal in a 1-0 defeat of Bolton at the KC Stadium.

The American striker admitted there were times when he felt he would not get the international clearance he needed to start his Tigers career.

"I was losing faith, I felt it wasn't going to go through and it was all going to be for nothing," he said.

"But everyone did a great job to try to get me here and I really appreciate it."

Stoke manager Tony Pulis was full of praise for Thomas Sorensen after the Danish goalkeeper produced a superb second-half save from a bullet-like header from Garry O'Connor to deny Birmingham in a goalless draw at St Andrews.

Pulis said: "It was wonderful, a great save. What made it really good for me is that I don't think Thomas had had a save to make up until then."