Arsene Wenger got one over his long-time rival Sir Alex Ferguson in Saturday’s match at the Emirates, as the Gunners ran out 2-1 victors in a thrilling game full of attacking football.
Arsenal came into the game struggling with injury trouble and a highly criticized form of late, having taken a loss at Stoke last weekend coupled with a dismal 0-0 midweek showing hosting Fenerbahce in the Champions League. While Almunia, Walcott, and Silvestre were able to reach fitness in time to play, Adebayor remained out of the starting line up with an ankle injury, Eboue with a knee injury, and Robin van Persie, who is facing suspension after a straight-red tackle against Stoke keeper Thomas Sorensen.
Nicklas Bendtner replaced Ade’ as the deep centre-forward, while Abou Diaby came on in van Persie’s place. Gallas and Silvestre partnered up in front of Almunia, Sagna and Clichy on the wings, and the usual Denilson, Fabregas, and Nasri midfield.
The first twenty minutes of the game saw several near-misses by both squads, with a slight edge in chances to Manchester United; in particular, a clever build up play by United in the 18th fell to Wayne Rooney at the top of the eighteen, who wasted the free shot by sending it well over the net.
This would hurt United supporters even more, as four minutes later, an Arsenal free-kick from Cesc found Nasri just outside the box, who blasted a fierce shot towards net, taking a last-second deflection off Gary Neville to zip past Edwin Van der Sar.
Following Nasri’s goal, the game’s back and forth attacking play resumed, with both sides again having solid chances right up to the half-time break.
The second half brought continued pace and energy, as both teams came out strong looking rejuvenated after a rest and their team talks. Arsenal took possession from the whistle and didn’t give it up, and their work was rewarded as some characteristic Gunner passing led to Nasri having space for a shot, which he thundered into the net in the 48th minute.
Despite the proceedings being largely Manchester’s, the Reds (wearing their blue away strip) continued to be stopped by the other men in red. Ferguson, looking to add some energy and cut to his attack, brought on the youngster Rafael da Silva for Neville in the 63rd, whose introduction had the desired effect; the wily midfielder making an immediate impact which would help United’s attack for the remainder of the game.
In the 66th minute, a scramble in front of net led to Michael Carrick attempting to smack the loose ball by Almunia, but the brave keeper dove onto it and took the kick straight in the head. Although he continued to play after the long break being attended to, he would be unable to continue for the remainder of the game; signalling to the bench to sub him out in the 78th for backup Lukasz Fabianski.
The introductions of Ryan Giggs for Anderson (72’) and Carlos Tevez for Rooney (76’), along with Wenger’s substitutions of Walcott for Alex Song (76’), changed the game little; possession still remained largely United’s, but with no goals to show. Several quick breaks against play led to a few decent Arsenal chances, but for the most part, the fans at the Emirates had plenty to be nervous about with such an important result on the line.
The last ten minutes of regular time saw Kolo Toure come on for Abou Diaby, and a resilient Arsenal defence having to stay calm against a furious, all-out assault by United. Certainly the result against Tottenham was in many fans and players minds, and this was further compounded by the following two events: 6 minutes of added time to be played, and a 90th minute goal by Rafael to bring the game 2-1.
Ferguson’s young substitute took a cross on the chest, and with beautiful skill, turned it to his left foot and sent the ball sailing into the opposite side of the net, leaving Fabianski no chance.
Even with some sustained pressure however, United couldn’t find a second, and Arsenal happily walked away with three full points in a game many pundits were considering to be Arsenal’s season on the line. Arsene Wenger and the Gunners fans will all be overjoyed with the result, as both a confidence inspiring victory and a significant three points towards clawing their way back near the top of the Premiership table.
Justin Barrie
