Arsenal went to Old Trafford with a hope of rekindling their title ambitions, but were outshined by United, who won 2-1. That after Arsenal had dominated much of the first half and taken lead early in the second.
After the disappointment of being knocked out of the Champions League last week, Arsene Wenger was looking to salvage his domestic title hopes at the bitter rival’s home. Arsenal threatened and were much faster out of the block testing United through much of the first half. Emmanuel Adebayor, in particular, was presented with several scoring opportunities but he failed to latch on to any. Cesc Fabregas and Alexander Hleb too had a brilliant half, but their efforts failed to make a mark on the scoresheet.
It was only in the second half that Arsenal took a much deserved lead. Two minutes after the break, van Persie took the ball down and delivered a wonderful cross across the six yard box. The goal was far from perfect and Adebayor bundled the ball across the line from what appeared to be his forearm.
Arsenal’s inability to hold on to any lead was their bane yet again as just four minutes later William Gallas handled ball inside the box and gave away a penalty. Ronaldo neatly slotted in twice form the spot after the first one was ruled out for encroaching. Then in came substitutes for both the sides, United brought in Tevez and Anderson, while Arsenal introduced Walcott. Disaster struck soon enough for the Gunners as Evra was tripped 25 yards out and the resultant free-kick was perfectly curled in by Hargreaves. That was the end of that and the final scoreline read 2-1 in favor of the Red Devils.
So the season that promised so much for the London club has been left in tatters in a matter of weeks. Arsenal go on to rue what could have been, even as United head into the final few games, hoping to round off the title. A six point lead at the top with only a handful of games left wouldn’t hurt too much I guess.
Via: BBC
