MANCHESTER UNITED STUN ARSENAL There are several fixtures that generate global attention and this is certainly one of them. Manchester United versus Arsenal pits two of the most successful giants of the English game against themselves. It may not have the same impact as we had in the late 90s and at the turn of the century. The retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson also means that one of the key components of this rivalry would be missing. However, it remains the star match in English Premier League and in Europe by extension. It is a game between the first and third most decorated teams in terms of league titles. On the day, it’s the league leaders against the defending champions. Whenever these teams play each other, form often goes out through the window and the hungrier and more passionate team wins. Arsenal had been forced into late changes as Per Mertesacker and Tomas Rosicky succumbed to illness but they still had enough quality to challenge their hosts. Manchester United set out to attack their rivals from the onset. They chased every ball and never allowed their opponents to settle into their stride. United have been criticized several times this season for their uninspiring displays but on the balance of play, they shed all forms of complacency and drove forward with relentless pressure. It wasn’t always pretty but the Red Devils were fired up for this battle. United’s pressure finally paid off as Robin Van Persie rose highest to nod home a Rooney corner in the 27th minute for the only goal of the game. From a defenders perspective, it was an avoidable goal because Giroud and Ramsey failed to contest the cross thus allowing the flying Dutchman time to run in and direct the header into the top corner of the post. As we witnessed last season, RVP had punished his former team again. The Gunners improved slightly after the break as Ozil, Arteta and Cazorla sought to impose their passing on United’s midfielders but the Red Devils held firm. They remained resolute in their pressing and their collective effort meant the Arsenal playmakers had a game to forget. Ozil was poor, Cazorla was ineffective and Giroud was sadly isolated upfront. Even the introduction of Bendtner couldn’t lift the Gunners as they huffed and puffed. David Moyes must be relieved with this fantastic result as Manchester United extend their unbeaten run to nine games while Arsene Wenger must pick up the pieces and prepare for future challenges. There are 27 games to go but he must be worried that they couldn’t muster a challenge in one of the prime contests of the season. On a day the Gunners misfired, the Red Devils can party all night long. Follow on Twitter @Fansturf
Posted on: Sun, 10 Nov 2013 19:36:17 +0000
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