Gunners too good for United

01 May 2011 20:00
Arsenal blew the Barclays Premier League title race wide open after finally finding the character of champions to beat leaders Manchester United 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium. Aaron Ramsey's second-half goal - his first in the Premier League since January 2010 - saw United's lead remain at just three points from Chelsea, whom they face next week at Old Trafford. The Gunners may have seen their own title ambitions extinguished following a run of costly draws before defeat at Bolton last Sunday, but at least gave their frustrated fans renewed hope next season might just be different for Arsene Wenger's young side. Ramsey had only been in the team because of a thigh injury to captain Cesc Fabregas, but his well-taken strike on 56 minutes was just rewards for a high-tempo performance and meant the officials' miss of a penalty for handball by United skipper Nemanja Vidic in the first half did not eventually prove decisive. Vidic knocked Theo Walcott's cross from the right behind with his hand, taking it off the head of Robin van Persie. However, neither the referee or nearside assistant Andy Garratt spotted it - leaving the Dutch forward fuming.

Source: PA