Manchester United vs. Arsenal match review
Manchester United’s recent dominance over old rivals Arsenal continued as the Red Devils prevailed over Arsene Wenger’s side 1-0. It was a tight encounter at Old Trafford as both sides struggled to create goal scoring opportunities.
The first real chance of the match fell to Nani in the 23rd minute as Squillaci’s wayward header fell to the Portuguese international. Nani’s first time volley blazed inches wide of the Arsenal goal. The home side took the lead in the 41st
minute through Park Ji-Sung’s sublime header. The South Korean improvised superbly to head Nani's deflected cross beyond the reach of goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.
The only time the United keeper was really tested was by Samir Nasri’s low shot from outside the box. Van Der Sar made a good save to his left to deny the in-form Frenchman. Other than that effort, Arsenal looked unconvincing in
attack. Much of the praise will go to Sir Alex Ferguson’s tactical prowess. United’s packed midfield and solid defence meant that Arsenal had no space in the final third. The Red Devils were happy to let the Gunners go into the wide positions, keeping tight
control in their own box, closing out any holes the Gunners might use to break through the centre. Crosses into the box were easily defended by both Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic thanks to their presence in the air. This meant that Arsenal’s attack was mostly
limited to shots from a distance by a frustrated Andrei Arshavin.
Manchester United had several chances to double their lead in the second half as Arsenal showed signs of vulnerability in defence. Wayne Rooney’s ball found Anderson with only the keeper in front of him. Szczesny, the premier league
debutant, made an important save to keep the Gunners in the match. Nani robbed the ball from Gael Clichy at the edge of Arsenal’s box and should have scored. Instead, his fierce shot flew harmlessly over the bar. Arsene Wenger went for broke, bringing on Fabregas,
Robin Van Persie and Theo Walcott in the hopes of salvaging a point for the team, but the Gunners still couldn’t find a way past the United defence.
Arsenal were unlucky to concede a penalty in the 74th minute when Clichy was harshly adjudged to have handled the ball. Wayne Rooney stepped up to the spot with a chance to finish off the game. The English Striker’s
lack of confidence showed, as his wild attempt sailed over the bar. He might have redeemed himself through a great chip late in the match. The Arsenal goalkeeper did well to deny Rooney. Arsenal had a chance to salvage a point from the last kick of the game,
but Theo Walcott could not control his volley.
It finished 1-0 at Old Trafford. The last time Arsenal won at Manchester United’s home ground was back in September 2006 and such performances from the Gunners are certainly not going to change that. It was Sir Alex’s tactical
decisions that ultimately led to the Gunners’ defeat. Arsenal simply weren’t allowed to play their natural game, resorting instead to crosses into the box and shots from a distance. The only bright spot was their goalkeeper, Wojciech Szczesny. He put in an
impressive display in the goal, especially considering this was his first match in the Premier League. Manchester United move to the top of the Barclays Premier League table with 34 points and a game in hand. Arsene Wenger praised his opposition after the
match, saying,
‘Overall you have to give credit to Man United's defensive quality. They defended very well and we tried very hard and did absolutely everything to create chances, we had a few. I believe we were a bit unlucky to lose the game.’
Tags: