Arsenal dropped more points today at the Emirates as Daniel Welbeck put the United ahead with 10 mins to go. There will be some controversy about Wenger’s substitution regarding Chamberlain and Arshavin- a pointless and stupid substitution to do.
It was a lively start to match which saw in 10 mins Arsenal creating a few chances, but nothing really concrete.
After the 15th min, United began piling on pressure. Holes in the Arsenal defense could be seen as Nani and Valencia earned a number of corners for the away side.
On 24, we came close after Chamberlain beat Evra and layed in front of Walcott, only for the latter to hit his shot wide.
As we hit the half an hour mark the game increased in intensity. 5 mins later United had 100 % control. Arsenal were defending collectively with most of United’s attacks coming from the right. When Arsenal were getting the ball they were clueless. United were in shape within seconds nullifying any chance of ‘pretty football’ from their opponents.
On 40, United should have led when Djourou went for an aimless clearance against Nani, in turn missing the ball and letting the Portuguese through.
On 45, United took the lead. United had a plan. Target Djourou and get in your crosses and passes from the right. Its not a difficult plan, and its easy to implement. Giggs with the cross and Valencia with a ‘thumping’ header. Arsenal 0-1 United !
The gap in the midfield was immense. Between Song and Robin there was no link, so long balls even if the dutchman did head would fall into the laps of United players. Ramsey was as ever remained ‘lost’ and Rosicky ‘ineffective.’
Another aspect is Djourou. The red point, which denotes ‘weakness’ was probably on the head of Djourou. Constantly being targeted by United as the achilles foot of this Arsenal team – the truth.
At half time Wenger took off Djourou (probably injured) and brought on Yennaris.
On 50, Arsenal had a superb chance to equalise. Smalling slipped while on the ball and Rosicky picked it up with yards on space to run. After entering the D-box the Czech passed it to Robin who passed Evans and fired his LEFT foot shot a yard wide of Lindegaards goal.
4 mins later, Ramsey picked up Chamberlains ball infront of the D-box, passed Giggs and fired his shot over the cross bar.
On 57, Arsenal had another chance to score as Rosicky smashed his shot against Evra and wide. 3 chances and 3 opportunities to score.
On 61, Chamberlain cut his shot passed Lindegaard as United lost possession in the middle of the field. Seconds later Mertersacker was beaten but his two footed clearance kept Arsenal in the game.
On 70, United conceded via a FC Barcelona counter-attack. Koscileny took Rafael off the ball and played a long ball to Rosicky who found Chamberlain on the right. The youngster on receiving the ball cut right before playing a reverse ball to Robin who tucked net into Lindegaards far corner sweetly. Arsenal 1-1 Manchester United.
5 mins later, the Emirates was filled with boos as Alex Chamberlain was taken off for Arshavin.
On 80, United took the lead. Valencia beat Arshavin on the right, passed Song before passing it to Welbeck who shot it into Szczesny’s goal. Arsenal 1-2 United.
3 mins later, Wenger brought on Park for Ramsey.
With 5 mins added on there was enough time to get the equaliser. Sad thing is there were not enough chances.
TURNING POINT : Chamberlains substitution
