Gunners Misfire, Dire Red Devils Escape

Manchester United came from behind to record a thoroughly undeserved 2-1 win over Arsenal at Old Trafford.

First Half
Manchester United and Arsenal mirrored each other, both starting lone strikers up top, with Van Persie supported by Arshavin, and Rooney supported by Giggs and Nani. Neither team managed to keep possession past their half-way line from the beginning, with passing in the final third particularly egregious. In the 10th Rooney created a chance for Darren Fletcher in the box, but he ballooned over from 12 yards. This was to be Manchester's only decent chance of the night though, with the visitor's passing becoming better and better, and with Manchester unable to gain control of the midfield, Arsenal started to create chances. Van Persie had a shot blocked by Evra, and Arshavin sent a shot fractionally wide of the top corner, after Foster had flapped at a corner. Minutes later, Arshavin again controlled the ball in the box, but was taken out by Fletcher, in what was a clear penalty. The only contact Fletcher had with the ball was with his arm, and he clearly wiped out Arshavin. The referee however, followed Old Trafford convention and deigned to ignore the clear foul. Arshavin didn't let this stop him however, and minutes later, he strode in to the box and unleashed a wonderful shot into the net, silencing the Old Trafford crowd with his trademark (slightly obnoxious) goal celebration. Perhaps Foster should have done better, but it was a beautifully struck shot, and a deserved lead for Arsenal. Manchester tried to respond, but were unable to create anything, despite concerted pressure in the last couple of minutes in the half
Second Half
Whatever one hears about Fergie's famous half-time talks, Manchester United showed no signs of a spirited comeback, and should have been down 2-0, but Foster pulled off an excellent save on Van Persie after Arshavin had again created space on the left and sent in a wicked cross. Wes Brown should have covered Van Persie's run, but the Dutchman got in behind him and looked to have an easy finish, but Foster saved brilliantly with his foot. Arsenal were playing well, taking the game to a disjointed and disorganized Manchester. Fletcher did his best in midfield, but the mediocre Giggs did little to help, and Manchester looked toothless in attack and soft in the midfield. Arsenal's oft-maligned trio of Song, Diaby, and Denilson were doing a solid job, if unspectacular. As always thogh, the laws of football were not to be denied, and Manchester were given a route back in to the game, courtesy of Almunia's idiotic (surprise surprise) decision. Giggs sent in a through ball for Rooney, and despite Rooney's run leading away from the goal, Almunia rushed out and managed to get just enough contact on Rooney to support his exaggerated fall. Rooney started falling before being touched, but Almunia failed to react to Rooney's first touch, and brought him down despite Rooney having lost control of the ball. Smart play from Rooney, who anticipated and sold the penalty, but Almunia should be replaced as soon as possible for Arsenal's sake. Rooney duly dispatched the penalty, celebrating as if he had scored a Maradona-esque goal. This incident raised temperatures on the pitch several notches, and the tension on the field was palpable. Van Persie's well-struck free kick from outside the box was pushed on to the woodwork by Foster, as Arsenal didn't let up their passing and pressure. Unfortunately for them, in the 65th minute Diaby idiotically headed Gigg's free kick past Almunia! It looked like it would be a routine clearance, but Diaby elected to try and head the ball out for a corner, but instead sent it past the stranded Almunia. The Gunners, for so long the better team, suddenly had the tables turned on them, and were chasing the game. Bentdner and Eduardo duly were brought on, and the inspirational Arshavin taken off for what seemed to be a minor injury, as Arsenal pressed hard for the equalizer. Van Persie got the ball in the net, but the goal was ruled out for an unclear off-sides call that came a little early on Gallas. Wenger, furious, kicked a water bottle, and the 4th official pedantically had him sent off. It was a bit of a farce though, as Wenger stood up with his hands out, and masses of jeering Manchester United fans behind him hurling insults. In the end though, it was Manchester United who celebrated a crucial, but completely undeserved win, over their bitter rivals.

Conclusions?
Despite Manchester's win, the match poses more questions for them than it answered. Why was 30-million-pound Berbatov left on the bench? United were toothless in attack, and one must wonder why Mr. "final-piece-in-the-puzzle" was left on the bench. The inclusion of Giggs was a specious masterstroke, as his pass and cross led to both Manchester goals, but in fact his contribution was pitiful; his passing horrific, running laborious, and overall influence nowhere near what Ferguson would want from such a senior player. Perhaps the most telling criticism is that Giggs made Nani look like Ronaldo. What about Manchester's midfield? Most fans and pundits have come to the conclusion that Manchesters midfield, shown up against Barcelona and Liverpool last year, is not as strong as the best teams in Europe. The constant injuries to Hargreaves gives Ferguson something of an excuse, but surely Ferguson isn't the type to let an excuse like that undermine his quest to truly "knock Liverpool off their f****** perch". At this point though, the lack of top class players in their midfield is the most persuasive argument against their reclaiming the Champions League and winning a fourth consecutive Premiership title. Particularly with their top match winner Ronaldo now scoring penalties (but not much else) for Real Madrid, there is a lot of pressure on Rooney to become that match winner. Unfortunately for Manchester, Rooney is no Ronaldo, despite the adulation of the English press, and Manchester will struggle to play with the best teams without the addition of a top-class midfielder. The fact that Arsenal's young and inexperienced midfield, minus their top player, more than held their own, AT Old Trafford, is another glaring indication of this weakness.

For Arsenal, the match was in many ways encouraging, as they managed to more than match their older and more experienced opponents. Unfortunately for Arsenal though, they shot themselves in the foot with horrific mistakes, the type of which they MUST eradicate. It was good experience for their young team, particularly the midfield, and will help them develop. This won't come as much consolation though, to Arsenal fans demanding a title challenge right now. If the young players can quickly take on-board the lessons learned, and improve the mental side of their game, then they can challenge this year, but that is a lot to ask. The addition of Fabregas will of course improve their midfield, but the need for a truly top-class defensive midfielder might really be apparent in the Champions League, if not against Manchester United.