Manchester United completed their 2011-12 English Premier League sweep of rivals Arsenal following a 2-1 victory at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, 22 January.
Goals from Antonio Valencia and Danny Welbeck helped the Red Devils move within three points of Manchester City, who defeated Tottenham Hotspur 3-2 at the Etihad Stadium earlier on Sunday.
Arsenal v. Manchester United: Game Summary
Valencia netted the opening goal in the 45th minute, just before half-time, following a delicious cross from veteran Ryan Giggs.
Wenger made one change at half-time, replacing Johan Djourou with Nicholas Yennaris.
Djourou, who played right-back in the first half, was overwhelmed by Nani’s presence on the left flank.
To be perfectly honest, he was completely out-classed and over-run by the Portuguese international, hence the substitution.
Robin van Persie drew Arsenal level with a superb finish following a cheeky through ball from youngster Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in the 71st minute.
All in all, it was a fantastic performance by the 18-year-old youngster.
In the 74th minute, Arsene Wenger chose to replace the lively Oxlade-Chamberlain with Andrei Arshavin, much to the chagrin of the Gunners faithful.
Seven minutes later, Valencia turned passed Arshavin and found an open Danny Welbeck who slotted home from close range, giving United a 2-1 lead.
United held on to the slimmest of leads in the dying moments, with the help of fine center-back play from Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans.
Man of the Match
Antonio Valencia was absolutely brilliant for the Red Devils, scoring the first goal and setting up the second.
For Arsenal, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who set up Robin van Persie’s goal, showed a lot of promise prior to being replaced by Arshavin.
Piers Morgan Blasts Arsene Wenger
Following the game, Gunners supporter and CNN personality Piers Morgan blamed Arsene Wenger for Arsenal’s loss, and rightfully so.
Morgan expressed his disagreement with Wenger’s decision to remove Alex Oxlade-Chamerlain in favor of Andrei Arshavin.
Footage from the game revealed that Robin van Persie also disagreed with the manager’s decision, while the fans also voiced their displeasure, booing Arshavin’s introduction.
Arsenal’s Full Back Dilemma
Arsenal die-hard Piers Morgan also called out Arsene Wenger for not signing any full backs in the January transfer window.
One again, Morgan’s criticism is warranted.
With Barcary Sagna, Kieran Gibbs and Andre Santos all injured, Wenger should have signed at least one, if not two, full backs by now.
That being said, Wenger still has time to overcome his managerial howler by adding a defender or two before the transfer window closes.
Arsenal are currently fifth in the Premier League table, and are now five points behind Chelsea for fourth place.
Will Arsenal qualify for the UEFA Champions League in 2012-13?
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
