Manchester United produced a brilliant second half performance to come back from behind and win against a youthful Arsenal team. This game at the Theater of Dreams, which I suppose was the first test for Sir Alex's team this season. The games so far have been against OKish teams you know, Arsenal is always special.Right from the start, Arsenal looked threatening and controlled the ball very well. United did have 2 very good chances in the first half but as they just blew it away; just like they have been doing it this season so far. And Arsenal punished them for not converting their chances. Andrey Arshavin put the visitors ahead at the end of the first half with a blistering shot that kissed Ben Foster's fingers.
Just seconds before Arshavin scored, he was brought down by Darren Fletcher in the box and the Arsenal players were demanding a penalty. But the referee was spot on - Fletcher had got the ball. Had he been a fraction out, it would have been a penalty.
But a penalty was awarded at the other end of the pitch when Wayne Rooney went down under Manuel Almunia's challenge just before the hour mark. I was surprised to see Rooney take the spot kick, specially with Giggs, Carrick and Nani all available. But the wonder kid duly sent Almunia the wrong way and brought United back into the game.
Arsenal did go into a shell after that and United started to take control of the game. Diaby just lost his concentration due to the pressure when he headed the ball into his own net on a Giggs free-kick. Diaby did get a chance to redeem himself when he smashed a shot past Ben Foster, only to see it go wide.
Finally, the game ended at 2 - 1 and Diaby's own goal wrecked Arsenal's 100% start to the season. As if it was not enough, their manager Arsene Wenger was shown the Red card when he kicked a water bottle on the sidelines. He was frustrated with his boy's performance and just when it looked that Arsenal could grab a point out of the game, Van Persie's goal in the stoppage time was disallowed, courtesy Gallas was offside. Wenger vented out his anger on the poor water bottle and the referee asked him to clear the area.
Wenger did create some scenes before the referee restarted the game and blew his whistle soon after to indicate United's victory. This game saw a great performance from Rooney, Nani and Giggs. With their confidence sky high, Manchester United now need to keep the consistency going since Chelsea and Spurs are looking in great form, winning all their matches so far.
The Brazilian maestro Kaka, who is currently a target for Manchester City has said that he would love to play for the Red Devils. He said he loves English football and Manchester. But he would like to move to the red side of Manchester and not the blue.
Kaka rates Manchester United and Arsenal as the best teams in England and Europe. He described the two giants as the most "agile teams" in England. Manchester City's stunning £108 million bid has surprised everyone and forced AC Milan to capitalize on the situation. Even Sir Alex was shocked and surprised at such a heavy bid for a single player.
Meanwhile Premier League Champions Manchester United take on Bolton Wanderers today to hit the front of the race for the title for the first time this season. Victory at The Reebok Stadium would lift United one point clear of Liverpool, who are not in action until Monday night when they host Merseyside rivals Everton. With Rooney injured, Carlos Tevez should surely get a chance to start up front with Berbatov.
Another milestone that United would like to achieve would be a clean sheet. The Red Devils are one clean sheet away from equaling Chelsea's record for most number of consecutive clean sheets. Edwin van der Sar has gone 852 minutes without conceding in the Barclays Premier League since Samir Nasri put the ball past him in November last year. I hope United wins and moves top of the table because once that is done, it would be very difficult for any team to knock United off the top. Glory glory Man United!
Cristiano Ronaldo feels Manchester United must go for the jugular to reinforce their title ambitions at Arsenal on Saturday.
United have dropped points against Newcastle and Everton this season and Portugal winger feels Sir Alex Ferguson's side have much to prove as they go for a title hat-trick. United had an excellent record at Highbury, but they have so far managed just one point from two visits to the Emirates, conceding late goals on both occasions. Wenger's reputation of promoting youth has back fired so far but still they are a strong side to face and defeating them is not an easy task on their turf.
Arsenal's Nicklas Bendtner is confident Arsenal can beat Manchester United and prove their league title chase is back on track.
While United's Darren Fletcher expects a wounded Arsenal side to "come out fighting" at their own Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
Whosoever says whatsoever, I am confident that United would thrash Arsenal and would definitely retain the title for a 3rd time.
