United's Patrice Evra managed to head past tall man Mertesacker and get the winning goal
Image retrieved from Daily Mail UK
Goals of the game
Manchester United: Van Persie (3'), Evra (67')
Arsenal: Cazorla (90+5')
The 2-1 scoreline undermines United's dominating victory over long-time rivals Arsenal as the Red Devils dominated the whole game with Wenger's men having only two shots on goal, both of which were tallied at injury time.
United jump-starts the game as early as the third minute, when Arsenal defender Andre Santos is outfoxed by United's swift right-back Rafael, who then makes a low cross to Robin van Persie for the goal. United would then get a helfty share of possession in the first half, with Arsenal appearing non-committed to the game. To make matters worse, Arsenal point man Santi Cazorla is said to have handled the ball at the box. Rooney would take the penalty, only to miss it, to much disappointment of the Old Trafford faithful.
Prolific striker Robin van Persie gets the game going with a superb goal
Image retrieved from Daily Mail UK
It was still United's game come the second-half, with Arsenal not getting in their groove. Arsenal would, however, enjoy some sort of possession until United gets a corner. Rooney would send the ball towards Evra, who eludes big guy Mertesacker and score with a cracking header. Arsenal would be given the final nail in the coffin, as Jack Wilshere is given a second yellow for a clearly late and rather dangerous tackle on Rafael. With Arsenal down to ten men, it was clear United was geared for victory. Cazorla had other plans in mind, though.
At extra time, Arsenal would notch their first shot on goal, when a brilliant pass from Cazorla finds Giroud. De Gea, for the first time in quite a long while, finds himself called for his job and makes a quick-move block. A little more than two minutes later, Cazorla would take advantage of commotion in United's box. After a game of pass the ball, Arsenal's marquee signing Santi Cazorla takes a bead and fires a rocket shot, giving his side a consolation goal. The game would end 2-1, with United not the least bit deserving of that scoreline, given their performance.
To analyze United's game now would be the exact opposite of last week at Stamford Bridge. For a United fan, like me, games like this are a treat to watch. Sure, the final score may not reflect that, but a win's a win.
Arsenal point man Santi Cazorla gives his side some consolation by scoring a stoppage time goal
Image retrieved from Daily Mail UK
Man of the Match for United has to be, again, Robin van Persie. His quick reflexes, sharp passing and well-round overall play is a great blessing from heaven for Sir Alex Ferguson's side.
Rafael, undoubtedly, is the very close second. Very consistent throughout the season, having no competition for him in the line-up allows him to play every week, and that made him improve his all-around play. He has become an asset to the team.
Rooney dropping in the sort-of attacking midfielder role has been a pleasant surprise for United. He provides support in the side's already frail defense and ever since his return from that injury he got in that game against Fulham, has been United's pivot in getting the ball forward.
When the smoke cleared, it was United's gun whose barrel was still smoking hot, with Arsenal not having fired much at all. The Gunners are left outgunned at Old Trafford, and their demise would be a welcome treat for Sir Alex, whose team's win helps them to the top of the league, at least until Chelsea finish their game against Swansea later on. As a United fan, you can't help but sincerely hope the lead would go beyond that game.
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