Manchester United have lost the early edge it had over Liverpool in the Premier League title race and now have just one more day in which to lift themselves from a shock defeat and get their campaign back on track.

Any joy United fans felt after Liverpool, last season's runner-up, lost their opening match, evaporated on Wednesday when the defending champions were beaten 1-0 at newly-promoted Burnley.

And with injuries having decimated his defence, which last season was the joint best in the league, manager Alex Ferguson has problems to overcome if his team is not to drop more points at Wigan tomorrow.

Marvellous hit

"Burnley had a good 10-minute spell which won it for them," Ferguson said. "They caused us a lot of problems with their balls in behind our back four, turning us towards our own goal.

"(The goal) was a very good strike, a marvellous hit, but we didn't defend it well. The player should have been covered but one or two of our midfield players were running out when the ball was played across."

But United were also laboured in attack. Michael Carrick had a penalty saved and spurned a scoring chance, while Michael Owen - who scored freely in pre-season after his free transfer from Newcastle - scuffed an opportunity and was replaced after 63 minutes.

"Hopefully, we get as many (chances) on Saturday," Ferguson said. "Michael Carrick had what I thought was the best chance when the ball was squared to him in the box but he decided to take a touch on the ball and lost the opportunity. Michael Owen missed a great chance in the first half, Ryan Giggs had one in the second half and Wayne Rooney had a couple of chances.

Strong startwith new arrival

"Our players are all disappointed, it was a bad result for us," Ferguson said. "But I'm sure we'll get a response."

Arsenal are enjoying a strong start with new arrival Thomas Vermaelen dominant in central defence.

"Thomas has been a good signing for us, he's a very good player, a very good defender," goalkeeper Manuel Almunia said. "He has a good left foot, he is good in the air and is very competitive. Now he has to keep it going."

While Tottenham will be without goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes because of a torn thigh muscle, the team has few worries in attack with Jermain Defoe set to continue up front after his first hat-trick since December 2004 took his tally to seven goals in 11 games since returning to Spurs in January.

"His form is absolutely electric," Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp said. "He looks stronger than I have ever seen him and I have known him since he was 14. He has done a lot of work in the gym in the summer and he looks even more explosive."