When Robin Van Persie signed for United last summer few would have expected him to return to the Emirates as a league champion.
He did so, and scored in the process, as United ground out a 1-1 draw result, which slightly derails Arsenal’s aspirations of a top-four finish.
After a guard of honour respectfully acknowledged their 20th league title, United were slow off the mark, and Arsenal took the lead within 120 seconds.
Tomas Rosicky’s pass caught Evra napping as Theo Walcott ghosted behind the United captain to put Arsenal ahead.
With Nani wide on the left and Phil Jones partnering Carrick in midfield United struggled to leave their mark on the game, as Arsenal produced their best 45 minutes of the season.
Despite the Gunners’ desire to emerge as winners in their cup final, De Gea kept Podolski at bay before United finally mustered a couple of chances of their own.
Jones’ header fizzled wide of the post, while Szczesny blocked Van Persie’s effort before the Dutchman was tripped by Sagna in the penalty box.
Despite the Frenchman’s remonstrations, Phil Dowd awarded United a penalty, which RVP buried past Szczesny with consummate ease to level the score.
The goal took the sting out of the Emirates crowd, and United looked much more in control in the second half.
Rooney went close to head United in front with 56 minutes gone, as Nani picked out the United striekr, after Rosicky’s shot had whiskered wide of the post.
As United grew into the game, so did the “Champions” chants from the away end – a timely reminder that Van Persie had made the right decision when he swapped the Emirates for Old Trafford – while the home crowd grew quieter and quieter. Arsenal fans’obsession with Van Persie spoke volume about how far their club had regressed in recent years – from title challengers to also rans.
Arsenal kept pushing forward without creating any clear cut chances, while United seemed happy to see the game out. The Reds struggled to produce any chances of their own too, but the away fans didn’t seem to mind as they were too busy celebrating a 20th title.
Giggs, Anderson and Hernandez replaced Nani, Rafael and Rooney. The Welshman – who boasts as many league titles as Arsenal – went close to win the match for United, his effort flying just wide of the post.
But it didn’t matter to the traveling supporters, who were more than happy to enjoy their 20th title regardless of today’s result.
Yes, Nani and Rooney might not have been enthusiastically good. Of course, Evra and Rafael could have provided more cover at the back. But, in the end, you’re not nineteen forever!
Dan (@MUFC_dan87)
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