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| Posted: 01 May 2011 10:19 AM PDT Manchester United were dealt a halt in progress at the Emirates after succumbing to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Arsenal. On a day when the Reds looked significantly off colour, Aaron Ramsey was Arsenal’s hero with a second-half strike. Sir Alex switched from his usual 4-5-1 approach against Arsenal to pair Rooney and Hern�ndez up front, with the midfield quartet of Nani, Carrick, Anderson and Park. The opening minutes gave a good indication of what much of the game would be like — dominance of the ball from Arsenal without creating too many chances, and United looking to catch them out on the break. The talking point in the first half came when Arsenal had a penalty claim turned down against Nemanja Vidic. Theo Walcott crossed in from the right, and with van Persie baring down on goal, Vidic appeared to extend his arm to change the direction of the cross. There wasn’t much of an appeal from the Arsenal players themselves, but replays showed that they should have had a penalty — and Vidic might have been sent off. Anyway, that was a lifeline. United’s best chance came through some good inter-play between Nani and Fabio, who was playing at right-back. Nani played in the Brazilian who danced past Clichy, but took too long to make up his mind over a shot or a cross, and Arsenal eventually managed to clear his attempted ball at Hern�ndez. The second half started with a better attacking approach from United, and Rooney came close with his 25-yard freekick. Just when United looked to be improving — recognised by Sir Alex through his attacking substitution in bringing on Valencia for Anderson, the Gunners dealt a hammer blow. van Persie managed to get into the box after Evra was caught out of possession, and his cut-back in the box was weighted perfectly for Aaron Ramsey to hit first-time into the bottom corner of the net. This goal signalled that United could no longer hold back with their hesitant approach, and the arrivals of Owen and Berbatov were made to provide a further attacking dimension to their play. United might have received a penalty of their own when Owen was brought down in the box by Song, but referee Chris Foy turned it down, possibly to balance his earlier decision against Vidic. In either case, the four minutes of added time were not enough to salvage a point for the boys in Red. This defeat, straight after Chelsea’s fortuitous win against Tottenham yesterday certainly does give the champions the momentum, going into the now crucial clash at Old Trafford next weekend. Hopefully, however, the Old Trafford crowd will be able to push United over the line, just as they did when the two teams faced each other in the Champions League. Ryan Giggs’s absence in midfield was greatly felt today, as there was no real creative spark. Hopefully, he will be fit and ready by the time Chelsea visit Manchester. Best Moment: When Chris Foy didn’t give Arsenal the penalty?! Worst Moment: Ramsey’s goal Man of the Match: Tough — Fabio, for his exuberant runs forwards from defence Written by member Sownak27  |
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