MAN UTD 1 PARK (41) V ARSENAL 0
13 DECEMBER 2010, OLD TRAFFORD ATTENDANCE: 75,227
United leapfrogged Arsenal to go two points clear at the top of the Barclays Premier League with a game in hand in a match that entertained without a raft of goalscoring chances.
Ji-sung Park struck the game’s only goal in a first half that the Reds dominated, while Sir Alex Ferguson's men could even afford a missed Wayne Rooney penalty in the second half after a sustained period of Arsenal pressure.
While the visitors boasted their fair share of time on the ball in the second half, United always looked the more capable of doing something with it.
Sir Alex couldn’t have been much happier with the players at his disposal. Paul Scholes failed to overcome a groin strain in time to make the game, but Michael Carrick and Anderson are arguably United’s form midfield pairing, while Darren Fletcher provides energy and purpose. While Scholes’ ball retention would be missed, the speed this game was played at perhaps demanded young lungs.
Conversely, Arsene Wenger was left plugging holes with Robin van Persie and Cesc Fabregas only able to make the bench, and the Arsenal boss was forced to hand a Premier League debut to 20-year-old Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny. The Gunners’ back four resembled more an attempt at a high-score in a game of scrabble than a defensive line for a top-of-the-table clash.
There was no doubting the sense of occasion as the roar of the home support greeted the teams onto the field. Arsenal may top the table, but United have shown intent and determination - if not always the team’s best football - to regain this title. But the first task was to reclaim top spot United took for the first time this season with that rampant 7-1 win over Blackburn Rovers last time out in the league at Old Trafford.
The usual postering and expected high tempo led to a frenetic start. The Reds’ first real shot on goal was an effort from Rooney after nine minutes. Brilliantly bringing down a high ball forward, he turned and shot at Szczesny who, with some uncertainty, clutched the ball at the second attempt. Three minutes later Nani fired a 35-yard free kick at Szczesny, which he held. Ambitious maybe, but worth testing the inexperienced shot-stopper.
While Arsenal had a share of possession, United looked more threatening in attack. After 23 minutes Nani went closer still to breaking the deadlock. He flicked on a lofted pass and continued his run into the box, where Sebastien Squillaci’s headed clearance fell at his feet, but he struck his shot inches wide.
The Reds had to wait until four minutes before half time for the goal United’s play deserved. Park - developing a knack for scoring important goals - latched onto Nani’s deflected cross and the Korean’s header looped over Szczesny to make it 1-0.
Arsenal did the early pressing at the start of the second half as Tomas Rosicky shot wide with a volley shortly after the restart. United weren’t completely on the back foot, however, as Alex Song came to the rescue with a headed clearance in the six-yard box from Nani’s cross. Rafael had to do much the same seconds later to clear a deep cross.
Rather than the poise and control that characterised United’s first-half performance, Sir Alex’s men looked a threat on the break. One foray forward engineered an opening for Anderson after good work from Rooney, but Szczesny was sharp off his line and prevented a second goal in as many games for the Brazilian.
No sooner had that chance passed than Arsenal were at the other end for their best chance of the match after 55 minutes. The in-form Samir Nasri forced a parried stop from van der Sar with a low drive. Chamakh got to the ball first, but Vidic’s reading of the game allowed him to slide in and block what seemed like a simple tap-in for the Arsenal striker.
The game developed an end-to-end pattern, an enthralling affair. It was United’s turn next. Anderson robbed Wilshere on the edge of United’s box and sent Nani on his way. After initially being dispossessed by Gael Clichy, he won the ball back but blazed a shot over with his second bite of the cherry.
Sensing the opportunity to capitalise on their spell of pressure, Wenger called Fabregas and van Persie from the bench. The tide appeared to turn in United’s favour when Nani’s persistence in taking on Clichy paid off as the Frenchman handled the ball inside the box. But when Rooney stepped up to take it, he blazed his shot over the bar. Rooney nearly made amends with five minutes left, but Szczesny managed to paw away the United no.10’s cheeky lob. But there was no need. It may be victory by a narrow margin, but it’s enough. Now for Chelsea.
Starting line-ups
United: Van der Sar; Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra; Nani, Fletcher, Carrick, Anderson (Giggs 85), Park; Rooney.
Subs not used: Kuszczak, Brown, Smalling, Obertan, Berbatov, Hernandez.
Arsenal: Szczesny; Sagna, Squillaci, Koscielny, Clichy; Song, Wilshere (van Persie 64), Rosicky (Fabregas 64), Nasri, Arshavin (Walcott 77); Chamakh.
Subs not used: Fabianski, Djourou, Denilson, Bendtner
Credit: Manchester United Ltd (http://www.manutd.com)
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