Football Special Report: Manchester United vs. Arsenal- Recap and Player Ratings (Part 1)
The Gunners suffered their fifth defeat of the current campaign giving up first place after a frail performance saw Arsenal deservedly lose by one goal to nil to their fierce rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford. The Red Devils are now elevated to the
top of Barclays Premier League with Arsenal demoted to second.
On a cold, cold evening, in what was a rusty, energetic encounter, largely dominated by Manchester; the Gunners lacked their usual flowing confidence in attack, as Manchester United enjoyed the domination of possession. Arsenal were guilty of some torrid
passing and lacklustre control as the Red Devils looked to threaten early on.
Lukasz Fabianski failed to pass the fitness test which and Arsenal third choice keeper, Wojciech Szczensy was given his first Premier League start. The 20-year-old made a number of impressive saves in the starting minutes, boasting confidence beyond his
years.
The much hyped encounter was predominantly captured in the heart of the midfield in the opening half. Early in the starting minutes, Arsenal left back Gael Clichy was tormented by Luis Nani but the Gunners defenders held strong.
However, just few minutes before the half time whistle, once again Manchester United’s in-form winger Nani benefited from frail Clichy defending. Nani glided past Gael Clichy on the edge of the penalty box and provided a flaky cross that took a deflection
off the struggling Clichy.
The left winger of the Red Devils, Park Ji-Sung was the fastest to respond and pounced with a skilful header that went past Arsenal goalkeeper and just inside the left post. It had been a relatively lifeless first half and fans and critics alike were hoping
the goal would reinstall life into the usually entertaining match.
It was Manchester United who came out the livelier in the second half. Once again, Manchester midfield continued to dominate possession, whilst the back-line rarely looked to be breaking much sweat.
Manchester United managed to create another chance in the match when Anderson was elegantly played through by Wayne Rooney, after a neat build up play. However, the highly touted Wojciech made a smart save, furthering his claim for the number one spot.
The Gunners began to spark to life as possession began to materialize. However, Manchester's collective defence failed to fault despite the quick, one-touch attack of Arsenal. Still the Gunners lacked progressive movement of a clinical touch as Tomas Rosicky
and Andrei Arshavin attempted to equalize from long range.
Rooney and Chamakh both had chances respectively but both sides appeared to be enduring the cold harshly as first touch and control began to evade both sides as the game wore on.
The Arsenal captain persistent hamstring injury had forced Cesc Fabregas to start from the bench whilst the Gunners’ most lethal striker Robin van Persie also started on the bench. Arsenal manager brought his dynamic pair on in the sixty-fifth minute but
shortly after the Gunners’ left back was adjudged to have hand balled after slipping in his box and handling the ball.
Despite there being no clear intent from the Gael Clichy the match official, nonetheless awarded Manchester the penalty and the opportunity to kill the game off. However, Manchester United under fire striker, Wayne Rooney stepped up to take the penalty and
skied his effort well over the bar, summing up his night.
However, it failed to return and taunt Rooney as the Gunners were unable to take full advantage of the chance given to them from the penalty miss. Both teams could not really be proud on their performances but in truth, the better team won the match and
earned all three points.
To be continued in Part 2..
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