After losing to Liverpool and Chelsea, it was an important clash for United as they looked to bounce back. However, the whole clash was a lot more important for Arsenal, who have seen themselves lose out in two competitions over the space of two weeks. This game was being billed as the 'Battle Of Two Wounded Giants' and hopes must have been high for the 9,000 Arsenal fans, who traveled all the way to Old Trafford when they saw the team put out by Sir Alex Ferguson.
Jack Wilshere heated up speculations before the game when he stated that United might bet tempted to start with a weakened side, with a Champions League tie this Tuesday on their mind as well. But while Sir Alex Ferguson did field a weakened side, it was a line-up that nobody in a right state of mind would have predicted.
While Arsenal fielded arguably the best side available to them, Manchester United started with 7 defenders on the pitch. United were totally outplayed in midfield by Liverpool the week before and many speculated that his midfielders could be dropped for this match as a punishment for their dismal showings. And it all seemed to make sense when Sir Alex opted to start with only one recognized midfielder on the pitch, Darron Gibson. But believe it or not, it was this tactics that eventually won them the game. Live Soccer TV provides some analysis to how this particular tactic suffocated the Gunners.
The Da Silva Twins And How They Influenced The Match
With Nani and Park Ji Sung missing the clash through injuries, Antonio Valencia was expected to be given the nod to make his first start since being being injured against Rangers last year. However, Sir Alex opted for the more intriguing pair of the Da Silvas to start on the flanks- a choice that turned out to be a genius one. We are all aware of how Arsenal can make good teams look like mediocre ones with their sublime passing abilities and this is where Rafael and Fabio came into the equation. With two hardworking and enthusiastic pair of athletes on each flank, Sir Alex knew that he was always going to get energy from them.
Fabio and Rafael were both dangerous moving upwards on the flanks- combining well with Rooney and Hernandez on the break as well. And when Arsenal gathered back possession, it was magnificent to see how the twins both head back to defend as well. While they provided the extra energy during attacks, they also made their presence felt while defending against any Arsenal attacks in the first half.
To sum up their impressive performance in the first half, both Rafael and Fabio once again combined well with Rooney and Hernandez to create the goal which Fabio eventually scored. Despite United fans expecting a dark and gloomy day, the twins brought sunshine into Old Trafford with their enthusiasm. Simply magnificent.
The Same Old 'Hardworking' Wayne Rooney
To be frank, Wayne Rooney has never really hit his heights this season since returning from injury last year. It has been a frustrating season for the English striker but if he keeps on giving the sort of performances he did against Arsenal, nobody would really bother whether he is on form or not.
Deja Vu was probably the right word to describe Wayne Rooney last night. During the Cristiano Ronaldo era at Old Trafford, Wayne Rooney often played second fiddle to the Portuguese international- playing in wide and midfield areas to accommodate Ronaldo in the team. That was the exact situation at Old Trafford yesterday.
Like mentioned, Arsenal do have the ability to pass teams to death and the only way to stop teams like that is to definitely not allow them any space or time to penetrate the defense. Wayne Rooney and the Da Silvas did it to perfection. In the first half, Wayne Rooney was part of the three man midfield with Gibson and O'Shea, suffocating the Arsenal players each time they receive the ball. There was no way out for the Gunners, who were definitely feeling the effects of the loss to Barcelona in midweek.
In the second half, Fabio was withdrawn and Wayne Rooney immediately adapted into that left-midfield position and carried out the same duties as Fabio did in the first half- attack when United attack and defend when Arsenal attack. It was pure footballing fundamentals from the Devils and Wayne Rooney played a major part of it.
Success Begins At The Back: Van Der Sar, Vidic And Smalling Reign Supreme
What do we get when we combine one of the best ever goalkeepers to have played the game, the best defender in the Premier League and a young and talented central defender? We get a clean sheet against one of the best teams in England.
When it comes to goal keeping, not many have surpassed Van Der Sar in terms of experience and even ability. But most importantly, consistency has been a huge part of the former Dutch international goalkeeper ever since he started life as one.
Last night, Van Der Sar was probably one of the most influential players on the field with a string of very impressive saves. The one from Nasri and Rosicky will probably rank as the best of the lot. But again, Vidic also proved how good he can be and Smalling justified the price tag United paid for him. It was a collective team performance from United and the better team definitely won yesterday.
With Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool all out of the FA Cup, the road is wide open for United to claim it although there is a possibility for a semi final tie against Manchester City at Wembley if they beat Reading tonight
