The Portugal winger opened the scoring when his chip across goal was palmed into the net by Gunners keeper Manuel Almunia, before setting up Wayne Rooney for the second.

Arsenal were overwhelmed with Nani their tormentor in chief and the 23-year-old was delighted with his display.

"I think that was my best game. I played well, scoring and getting an assist," he told Sky Sports.

"It was a fantastic performance from the team and I was so happy to help. I'm working hard every day to be fit for the team.

"I want to help the team play well. I can feel the confidence of my team-mates, the fans and the manager.

"I'm so happy and want to continue this good form."

Nani added: "We had a very good game (against Manchester City) last Wednesday and that gave everyone confidence for this match.

"The manager said we had to have the same attitude today if we want to be champions."

Ferguson agreed that Nani had produced his finest display in a United shirt and praised his growing maturity.

"Absolutely that was his best performance. The boy has come back after injury and has freshened up," Ferguson said on Sky Sports.

"His last three games have been absolutely first class but today was his best. Maturity is why we're seeing the best of him now.

"He's a very shy boy and maybe his personality is getting stronger. Today is an example of his maturity."

Ferguson saluted the contribution of Rooney and dismissed recent speculation over his Old Trafford future.

"Rooney was unbelievable. He was the key player and they couldn't handle him," he said.

"He's very happy at the club. He's popular among the players and couldn't be a better lad. He's down to earth and won't change because that's who he is.

"That's refreshing in this day and age of celebrity-type footballers with lots of money, but he never changes when some people do change with success."

Regarding Rooney's contract situation, Ferguson said: "I'm sure that [United chief executive] David Gill is working with [Rooney's agent] Paul Stretford. Hopefully something does happen."

Ferguson hailed a "great performance" that lifted United to one point behind leaders Chelsea.

"That was a great performance by us. I'm very pleased. It's at this time of year that you need to kick on," he said.

"Wednesday's performance galvanised us again and the players showed today they're sharp. We made lots of chances.

"The run-in is always a difficult period. We've handled it in the past and I trust the players to handle it again.

"We need Chelsea to drop points but Arsenal aren't out of it yet. I hope Arsenal go to Stamford Bridge and batter them next Sunday."

Arsene Wenger offered no excuses for Arsenal's capitulation and admitted he must restore morale before Sunday's trip to Stamford Bridge.

"We made massive individual errors and this is a massive disappointment for us. But we have to stick together," Wenger told Sky Sports.

"We were poor and that we can do much better than that. We are conscious that we didn't deliver the game that was expected from us.

"When you're completely off the mark it's impossible to win the game.

"We must prepare to come back stronger. It's our job not to feel sorry for ourselves.

"Chelsea is a good opportunity to show we are united and strong."