Source: Daily_Mail
Manchester United v Arsenal live
Follow Sportsmail's live coverage of the one the biggest games of the season so far in the Barclays Premier League, when Manchester United host Arsenal at Old Trafford. A win for either side will put them in a commanding position in the title race as we approach the halfway point of the campaign. Fire away all thoughts to me on tonight's encounter to me at dan.ripley@dailymail.co.uk[LNB] Manchester United 1-0 Arsenal (8pm)Man Utd: Van der Sar, Rafael Da Silva,Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Fletcher, Carrick, Anderson (Giggs 85), Nani, Rooney,Park.Subs: Kuszczak, Brown, Berbatov, Smalling, Hernandez,Obertan.[LNB]Goals: Ji-Sung Park 41.[LNB]Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Squillaci, Koscielny, Clichy, Song, Rosicky (Fabregas 64),Wilshere (Van Persie 64), Nasri, Chamakh, Arshavin (Walcott 77).Subs: Fabianski, Denilson, Djourou, Bendtner.[LNB]Referee: Howard Webb (S Yorkshire) [LNB]21.59: Patrice Evra to sing us out:[LNB]'Everyone was focused, we showed good spirit and got the results we deserved.[LNB]'It wasn't easy in the second half as Arsenal are a good tea. But we were powerful, showed good spirit and we are very pleased with three points.'[LNB] So as it stand United are top by two points in front of Arsenal but also have the added bonus of a game in hand and a superior goal difference.[LNB]Don't forget as well they have an unbeaten record too.[LNB]Arsenal stay second but Manchester City are equal on points with them, with Chelsea also just a point behind.[LNB]Still very close at the top but right now in the Premier League title race it's all united.[LNB]Thank you for following that is all from me.[LNB]21.55: Big chance gone for Arsenal there, Ferguson spoke before the match that United had a system and it has clearly worked again.[LNB]Wenger needs a plan b for this lot.[LNB]21.53: If United go on to win the title this season they will look back on this match as one of the most crucial wins.[LNB]Arsenal were below par, but the Red Devils just done enough to take all three points and with a dominant lead in the title race.[LNB]Full-time: Manchester United 1-0 Arsenal[LNB]90+4min: That sums up Arsenal's night. A loose ball in the box falls for Walcott, but with the ball falling from the air he gets it all wrong and blasts his volley well over.[LNB]90+3min: United in possession and as you would predict are not that interested in scoring anymore and suddenly have an urge for the corner flag.[LNB]90min: Four minutes added on, anything left from Arsenal?[LNB]89min: Not much in the last 10 minutes from Arsenal but that is alert defending from Ferdinand who rises highest in the six yard box to head a difficult header out for a thorw in.[LNB]86min: MUCH better from Rooney, he feeds on a ball over the top and with no time to bring the ball under control attempts to chip Szczesny from 20 yards that the keeper does well to tip out for a corner.[LNB]85min: Evergreen Ryan Giggs is on for Anderson.[LNB]85min: One for the team and a perfect example of my last update.[LNB]Evra tackles Song in United's half and leads a counter in which Song has no choice but to bring down the full-back on the halfway-line anc cop a booking.[LNB]83min: Great for the neutrals but both fans hearts are being seriously tested here! [LNB]Arsenal showing purpose going forward but they are just as capable of giving the ball away and United need no second invitation to commit to the counter.[LNB]80min: Ten minutes left and United are dropping deeper, we are set for a grandstand finish.[LNB]77min: Final throw of the dice from Wenger. Walcott replaces the disappointing Arshavin.[LNB]76min: Psychology eh? It's amazing. That awful penalty miss has really put a spring in Arsenal's step and they are taking the game to United.[LNB]74min: MISSED! Incredible, Rooney bounces up has a quick run up and blasts the penalty over the bar. Shocking effort! [LNB]73min: Clichy slides in on Nani, but it's not the tackle where he commits the foul. Nani pokes the ball back and Clichy's trailing hand makes contact. That is slightly harsh I feel and he is booked for it.[LNB] Roberto Baggio would be impressed: Wayne Rooney blasts his spot-kick over the bar[LNB]72min: PENALTY (Manchester United)[LNB]69min: Slightly dangerous from Rio Ferdinand, he leads in with a foot for a header that connects with Sagna.[LNB]The French defender not surprisingly is a bit wounded by that and he has a whole in his shirt from the moment of impact.[LNB]No action against the United centre-back though.[LNB]68min: Arsenal clear but United come straight back and Anderson's low first-time effort on the edge of the box zips just past the post.[LNB]67min: Nani v Clichy continues. The full-back needlessly shoves the midfielder in the back and United have a free-kick in a dangerous position on the right.[LNB]64min: In fact it's double trouble as Rosicky and Wilshere are replaced by Van Persie and Fabregas. Stage is set Cesc.[LNB]63min: Wenger is getting ready to act, Van Persie is getting ready to come on.[LNB]61min: This second half has been excellent, the attacks are threatening, crunching (but fair) challenges are flying about and it's a great advert for this league. United look much more composed since that counter.[LNB]59min: But there is the danger, Arsenal pile forward but Anderson wins the ball from Wilshere on the edge of the box that starts a counter.[LNB]The Brazilian finds Nani on the right who after losing and winning the ball back off Clichy, fires over inside the box. Has to hit the target, poor effort.[LNB]58min: Arsenal are by far the better side this half, they look so much ore dangerous in attack with Nasri is causing havoc in the centre.[LNB]56min: Now Arsenal should score! Nasri twists and turns Nemanja Vidic before his weak shot across goal is parried out by van Der Sar with Chamakh failing to convert the rebound.[LNB] Give it a go: Wayne Rooney has a rare attempt on goal[LNB]54min: That is why the Pole is in goal! Rooney and Anderson combine well exchanging passes and as United enter the penalty box, the keeper is out early to fumble the Brazilian who looked poised to score. In the context of the game that is MASSIVE.[LNB]52min: Top cross from Sagna is headed behind for a corner by Rafael and that was crucial as Arshavin was waiting at the back-post.[LNB]51min: Arsenal in a spell of possession but as good as their first time passing is, it's not quite going anywhere, United though just can't get the ball.[LNB]49min: A sighter from Rosicky. Jack Wilshere heads the ball across the area and the Czech hits an effort which flashes past the post. Van der Sar looked to have that covered though.[LNB]48min: Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott have gone for an early warm up, the Gunners sure do have some venom to call upon.[LNB]Second-half: Arsenal start their unique search for two goals at Old Trafford.[LNB]21.00: So when will it be time for Cesc? Arsenal have never scored two goals in a Premier League game at Old Trafford.[LNB]20.56: Very odd game this, on the ball both sides look competent and assured before it completely (and I emphasise completely) falls apart in the final third.[LNB]United will be happier with the result and pattern of the play but this is far from over. Very even game.[LNB]20.50: A little half-time stat for you from our friends at InfoStradaLive:[LNB]Manchester United have won their last 21 Premier League matches at Old Trafford in which they have led 1-0 at half-time. [LNB]Half-time: Manchester United 1-0 Arsenal[LNB]45+3min: Arshavin piles in with a sliding challenge on the edge of the box on Fletcher and again rightly booked. The free-kick is disappointing with Nani's low effort easily cleared by Squillaci.[LNB]45+2min: United ending the stronger here, another poor kick from Szczesny sees him give away a throw in close to goal. With his hands he has looked okay but he is definitely showing nerves.[LNB]45+1min: Two added minutes.[LNB]44min: There is our first booking which has probably come a bit too late. Chamakh intentionally sticks out a trailing leg and Nani inevitably goes over with some theatrics to boot.[LNB] Reactions: Ji-Sung Parks diverts his header towards goal to give Manchester United the lead[LNB]42min: Looks like there is a deflection on the cross too, that makes it even better![LNB]41min: GOAL! MANCHESTER UNITED 1-0 Arsenal[LNB]That is brilliant from Ji-Sung Park, a ball in the box looks a little too high for him but he throws his body at it in the most unorthodox fashion and gets a slight touch that loops over Szczesny and into the net. Brillaint inventive play.[LNB] The good ol' days: David Beckham and Gary Neville look on at Old Trafford[LNB]39min: Very Roy Keane-esque from Fletcher he is blatantly blocked off by Alex Song, but after not getting a free-kick is screaming at Howard Webb for an explanation, who promptly has a quiet word with the Scot a few moments later.[LNB]What ever happened to respect for refs?[LNB]38min: As for Rooney, it's just not happening for him. That piece of brilliant control earlier aside he hasn't got in the game.[LNB]34min: All too often Arsenal's attacks are ending with that final ball, but it's not even getting close for them some good play is all too often being wasted with a dire final pass, and even Nasri is guilty of this.[LNB]As it happens so are United in pass-master Michael Carrick.[LNB]30min: A stonewall penalty and it has not been given! United send a ball in the box and after Marouane Chamakh attempts to clear the ball with his head it ends up catching his hand on the full.[LNB]Howard Webb has a look and does nothing while Chamakh was counting his lucky stars last time I looked.[LNB] Stop start: Nani holds off Gael Clichy in a game littered with small fouls[LNB]28min: Arsene Wenger spoke before the game about trying to keep his keeper out the action. That plan is not quite working as Sagna sells Szczesny a very awkward backpass that the Polish keeper has to take urgent action to clear for a throw in.[LNB]25min: Getting a bit hot-headed now, Jack Wilshere lets say, lets Patrice Evra know his there after going forceful on a challenge, with the French full-back clearly not happy the Gunners midfielder is not booked. Would have been harsh though.[LNB]22min: THAT was close, Darren Fletcher's cross is poorly headed by Sebastien Squillaci straight to Nani, who showed very quick reactions to hit a volley across goal that zipped just past the post. Unlucky.[LNB]21min: Wait that has been trumped, Arshavin outside the box gives himself a yard, looks up picks his spot and unleashes a right foot drive....that drags well wide across goal with hardly any pace.[LNB]20min: That pretty much sums this game up so far, Bacary Sagna gets into a promising position down the right after some good play but his cross in the box is frankly rubbish and Edwin van der Sar easily takes.[LNB] hands on: Wojciech Szczesny barks out orders on his Premier League debut[LNB]17min: We are still awaiting a clear cut chance, it's just lacking in the final third right now. Park is looking lively fro United down the left but no so much of Nasri yet.[LNB]14min: United are targeting the keeper. Nani's free-kick bounces right in front of the stopper and the home side are clearly trying to force an error, not bad tactics that.[LNB]13min: That is brilliant skill from Anderson, Tomas Rosicky, Jack Wilshere and Song are all beaten with a simple bit of skill with the latter giving away a free-kick 35 yards out.[LNB]10min: He is looking shaky Szczesny, after Rooney brings down a difficult ball from 25 yards out, nobody closes him down as he lines up an effort and fires straight at the keeper who seemed to struggle keeping hold of it.[LNB]9min: Arsenal have settled a bit now and are knocking it about with some confidence, no chances yet though.[LNB]6min: ...and counter through Nani who charging down towards Arsenal's penalty area is taken out by Gael Clichy, just a warning for the full-back but that has wounded Nani a bit.[LNB] Farewell Ole: Sir Alex Ferguson (left) presents former Manchester United striker Ole Gunner Solskjaer with a leaving present[LNB]4min: There was a possible opening for Arsenal there, Andrey Arshavin's ball to Alex Song on the edge of the box sees the midfielder in space but he can't get the ball out his feet as he eyes for goal and United clear.[LNB]2min: All the play in Arsenal's half early on, Szczesny's first touch is a scuffed kick which he just gets away with, as United's return attack results in an offside.[LNB]Kick-off: United kick-us off.[LNB]19.59: Players are out, as you expect Old Trafford is packed and it's a cracking atmosphere, but then it has to be. If they can't get in the mood for this one then there's not much else.[LNB]19.56: Players are out in the tunnel, no snoods in sight...except Samir Nasri but then he probably sleeps in it.[LNB]19.53: As if it's in the stars, the stage is set for Wayne Rooney to end his barren run for Manchester United. Penalties aside, as to why it's all set up for Rooney, he scored his first career goal, his first league goal for United and his 100th league goal all against Arsenal.[LNB]Would you back against him this evening?[LNB]19.50: Rooney has not scored a goal in open play since the opener against Bayern Munich back in March.[LNB]Back then Rooney was arguably thebest striker in Europe and England were all but World Champions withsuch a potent attackhow times change.[LNB]19.47: And from InfoStradaLive, one record is set to tumble:[LNB]Wojciech Szczesny (20 years-239 days) is the youngest goalkeeper to play for Arsenal in the Premier League, breaking Alex Manninger's record by two days.[LNB]19.44: Some stats for you, the first from Opta:[LNB]Man Utd have won 15 and lost none of their 20 PL matches at Old Trafford played on a Monday.[LNB]19.41: Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson on leaving out Dimitar Berbatov:[LNB]'Sometimes it seems unfair, but we have made the choice based on a tactics we believe have been effective against this opposition. It's difficult to explain that to a player and it's not an easy decision to leave a player of his quality out.'[LNB]19.38: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger on his surprise selection in goal:[LNB]'He has the confidence but I hope the defence plays well so that he is not busy tonight.'[LNB]On Cesc Fabregas:[LNB]'We will probably give him 20-30 minutes, it's not too much of a risk to bring him on as much as it would be to start him.'[LNB]And on his tactics tonight:[LNB]'We have come to win and we will look to play by keeping true to our philosophies.'[LNB]19.35: Arsene Wenger springs a major surprise by handing 20-year-old Pole Wojciech Szczesny his Premier League debut.[LNB]Szczesny's only three previous Gunners appearances have come in the Carling Cup but with Lukasz Fabianski left on the bench, Wenger is relying on the youngster to keep United at bay.[LNB]Cesc Fabregas is still on the bench following a hamstring injury, whilst Dimitar Berbatov, who found five goals in his last league appearance against Blackburn a fortnight ago finds it's not enough to get him a starting slot as Wayne Rooney is handed a lone forward berth.[LNB]19.33: From Old Trafford:[LNB]Man Utd v ArsenalMan Utd: Van der Sar, Rafael Da Silva, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Fletcher, Carrick, Anderson, Nani, Rooney, Park. Subs: Kuszczak, Brown, Berbatov, Giggs, Smalling, Hernandez, Obertan.Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Squillaci, Koscielny, Clichy, Song, Rosicky, Wilshere, Nasri, Chamakh, Arshavin. Subs: Fabianski, Fabregas, van Persie, Walcott, Denilson, Djourou, Bendtner.Referee: Howard Webb (S Yorkshire)[LNB]19.30: If there is one thing this fixture does it take you down memory lane, pretty much EVERYTHING has happened when these clubs collide.[LNB]Five minute finals, one or two (and the rest) on-field bust ups, huge thrashings, tunnel bust ups, titles decided, unbeaten records broken, manager bust ups, shootout defeats and of course a pizza fight. Are we set for a new chapter? Team news on the way.[LNB] Shooting stars: Wayne Rooney will look to end his goal drought from open play which stretches back to March[LNB] Stop Nasri! Man United veteran Giggs fires warning over Arsenal threatBench-warming Bendtner facing axe, warns Denmark manager OlsenALL MANCHESTER UNITED FC
