In the aftermath of a 8-2 thumping at Manchester United on Sunday, Arsenal's worst defeat in 115 years, the club has offered to the approximately 3,000 fans who made the trip a free ticket to upcoming away games. The club will write letters to the fans who made the 400-mile trip with details of the offer.

A club statement read: "Sunday's result was obviously disappointing for everyone connected with the club. Our travelling fans were magnificent throughout and we want to recognize their fantastic support. We will be writing to them shortly with the details."

Captain Robin van Persie, who scored one of Arsenal's goals but also failed to convert a penalty kick, saluted the fans who stuck with their team even as United piled up the goals: "That is one really positive thing," van Persie said. "They were cheering us up all game for 90 minutes. We really appreciate that. Sometimes you see fans leaving early but I did not see that. When we went to the fans to thank them after the game, it looked like every seat was still full."

Arsenal also said it stands by Coach Arsene Wenger despite a 2-0 loss to Liverpool in its home opener last week and utter humiliation at Old Trafford in the wake of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri leaving the team. Against United, three players were suspended and three others sat out with injuries.