The better side now leads the ascendancy and the loss for Arsenal shows that no longer is the Gunners lack of success down to fitness issues, keeping conundrums or lack of funds. Plain and simple, Arsene Wenger’s team was inferior to Sir Alex Ferguson’s.
Nonetheless, here’s how the Gunners fared throughout the match:
Player Ratings
Wojciech Szczesny: 6.5
The 20-year-old goalkeeper shone on his debut, looking calm and confident as the Polish keeper dealt with Manchester threats with ease. Wojciech could do nothing about the only goal of the match. Moreover, he made an exceptional save against Anderson in
the second half.
Bacary Sagna: 5.0
The Frenchman was caught out by the prominent left winger of Manchester, who was threatening down the right flank. Bacary Sagna was guilty of some horrible crosses that broke down the Gunners attacks.
However, the veteran right back of Arsenal looked calm and confident at the defence in the second half. He worked well with Theo Walcott on the right flank and helped him produce some late attacks.
Sebastien Squillaci: 6.0
The summer signing of Arsene Wenger from Sevilla played well and dealt extremely well with Wayne Rooney. Moreover, the 30-year-old French defender was solid in the air and won most of the aerial battles.
Laurent Koscielny: 6.5
Another summer signing of Arsene Wenger was strong and solid at the back. Koscielny made few vital interceptions and tackles. He was calm behind the ball and was strong in containing Manchester United attack.
Gael Clichy: 5.0
Gael Clichy was torrid and tentative when attempting to deal with Manchester’s in-form winger Luis Nani. The Frenchman consistently allowed Nani too much space and was at fault for the goal.
However, Clichy’s tormenting run on the left flank did help Arsenal to start an attack and his cross created problems for the opposition.
Alexandre Song: 5.0
Alex Song endured a terrible night on the ball with almost all of his passes going astray. The Cameroon International worked hard in defence and helped defenders remarkably but bad passing taints his performance against Manchester United.
Jack Wilshere: 6.0
The English midfield prodigy was a mature, calm force in the midfield who failed to back down physically too. Wilshere looked lively in attack and was substituted in the 60th minute.
Tomas Rosicky: 6.0
Rosicky attempted to orchestrate the midfield and attack but failed to conjure up anything that really threatened. The Czech playmaker also wasted a good opportunity with a rash shot.
Samir Nasri: 5.5
Arsenal player of the season was too anonymous when his team needed an attacking spark as Nasri looked tentative in attack. However, as the game wore on, he started to look more confident and threatened Vidic and Ferdinand in the dying minutes of the match.
Andrei Arshavin: 5.5
Arshavin had his moments in attack and attempted to take on Manchester defence. However, the Russian skipper was lazy in defence and too often wasteful in possession.
Marouane Chamakh: 6.0
The summer signing of Arsene Wenger worked tirelessly in attack but to no reward. He showed good strength and control on occasions but nothing ever materialized for the striker.
Substitutes
Robin van Persie: 5.0
Robin van Persie was brought on in place of Jack Wilshere to add life to the Arsenal attack. However, the Dutch striker was lifeless and frail.
Robin van Persie did create a late chance for the Gunners with his creative touch that opened play for Samir Nasri but Manchester United defended pretty well to stop Arsenal attack.
Cesc Fabregas: 5.5
The Spanish midfielder came in place of Thomas Rosicky and was evidently rusty from his short lay off.
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