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TwitterJi-Sung Park was the unlikely hero of the evening as United went back to the top of the league with a victory over rivals Arsenal in a fairly even game at Old Trafford.
Park’s sixth goal of the season was all that was needed to knock the Gunners off their perch and gives United impetus heading into their up coming game against Chelsea.
Both teams were intent to attack and opportunities were surprisingly short. The overall game was fairly evenly distributed in the first-half with United perhaps shading it. United’s first clear cut opportunity came from Nani whose instinctive shot from a rebound flashed across the face Szczesny’s goal.
United then took charge in the 41st minute. Wayne Rooney had been given time to run with the ball then spread play wide to Nani. His run beat Gael Clichy and his cross was met by the head of Ji-Sung Park. A great instinctive header ensued which looped over everyone and into the net. It was a deserved lead for United.
The second half continued in the same vein with both sides trying to attack but unable to penetrate the defence. One of the few chances reached Anderson after good work from Rooney resulted in a through ball that Anderson stabbed at Szczesny, however the young Pole dropped to the ground to parry the ball away using his feet.
A few minutes later, a cross/shot by Samir Nasri was deflected into the path of Chamakh but Nemanja Vidic’s diving clearance saved United’s lead.
The game was still balanced when persistent wing play from Nani ended in a penalty to United when Clichy handled whilst on the floor.
Wayne Rooney stepped up and with an unusual run-up, hoofed the ball over the bar. United fans will need to see him be a lot more clinical if they are to forgive his recent indescretions.
The penalty miss should have spurred Arsenal on to grab an equaliser but United’s dogged defence stood strong with no last minute drama for a change.
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