Arsenal vs Manchester United — Barclays Premier League: First half report
It was pretty much a one sided affair in the first 45 minutes of one of the biggest games of the English Premier League. Arsenal dominated the possession and had better of the chances, but weren't able to produce that one goal which would give them the lead,
and the half ended goalless.
Manchester United boss, Sir Alex Ferguson made a surprise choice of playing Anderson in the middle of the park, while http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Michael-Carrick-c25282
was with Anderson in middle of the park with http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Nani-c27299 and Ji Sung Park marshalling the wings.
It was Arsenal that started the match on the front foot, while Manchester United looked a bit apprehensive. It did not take long for the Gunners to have their first shot on goal. Even though http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Robin-van-Persie-c31380 was ruled off side, that did not stop him from
taking a curling shot from his left foot that Edwin van der Sar palmed away.
Moments later came the best chance of the half, an ill directed clearance from http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Jack-Wilshere-c17463 inside the box but his shot was scuffed wide of the post.
Nani made a good run on the right and took United’s first shot of the match, after almost 10 minutes, from his left foot which went well over.
Arsenal continued to hog the ball, and United were left chasing shadows at times. But the most important thing for the away team was that Arsenal had not managed to make their dominance count with a goal.
Arsenal had another good move started by Van Persie, he laid the ball off to http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Theo-Walcott-c34873
could not connect well from 4 yards out in front of goal.
Gunners got the first corner of the game off http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Patrice-Evra-c29231, the corner was taken short and Van Persie took a shot which was deflected away.
Manchester United finally had their first decent attack after 20 minutes of the first half. Nani played an excellent through ball to Fabio da Silva, who was making an overlapping run. The Brazilian delayed his pass a bit too long and Hernandez was crowded
out before the ball got to him.
Normal service resumed once again and Arsenal continued to have lion’s share of the ball. Then came the most controversial moment of the first half. A cross was sent in from right wing and with Van Persie lurking in inside the box, Vidic used his hand to
deflect the ball away. Ref clearly missed it but Van Persie ran to the linesman to complain, but to no avail.
Arsenal continued to make United chase the ball, but did not have a clear cut chance in the last 15 minutes and the half ended 0-0. Gunners may go on to rue the chances missed if United comeback stronger in the 2nd half.
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