Manchester United 2-1 Arsenal: Van Persie and Evra shoot down 10-man Gunners

The former Gunners hero opened the scoring against his former team, setting the tone for a comfortable win for the Red Devils.

The Dutchman took just three minutes to open the scoring on his first appearance against Arsenal since his 24 million pound summer move before Wayne Rooney missed a glorious chance to double the lead from the penalty spot on the stroke of halftime.

Patrice Evra effectively sealed the victory with a 66th minute header to take United to the top of the Premier League for at least a few hours ahead of Chelsea’s clash against Swansea.

A miserable day for Arsenal was completed when it was forced to play the final 21 minutes with 10 men following the dismissal of Jack Wilshere for a second booking before Santi Cazorla scored a consolation strike with the last kick of the game. 

It may not have been pretty, but United was able to swat aside opponents once regarded as its greatest competitors. The 3,000 Gunners supporters in the stadium once again made clear their frustration, singling out chief executive Ivan Gazidis and chanting ‘we want our Arsenal back’.

Sir Alex Ferguson chose to continue with the 4-4-2 formation used in the victory at Chelsea last Sunday, with van Persie partnering Rooney in attack, while Aaron Ramsey was the only starter for Arsenal who featured in last season’s humiliating 8-2 defeat at Old Trafford. 

The Arsenal fans ignored Ferguson’s plea in his program notes to treat van Persie as “a hero”, instead booing their former captain and targeting him with vile chants.

It took just three minutes, though, for van Persie to provide his answer as he took advantage of woeful Arsenal defending to score his 10th goal of the season.

United right back Rafael exploited a gaping hole in the Gunners’ left back area and when Thomas Vermaelen failed to clear, the ball fell perfectly for van Persie to shoot low into the bottom corner with his right foot.

While Arsenal saw plenty of the ball in the opening period, it failed to create any chances of note and looked vulnerable defensively, with left back Andre Santos particularly woeful.

The Gunners had goalkeeper Vito Mannone to thank for keeping them in the game as the Italian made fine stops to prevent van Persie and then Rooney from doubling United’s advantage.

Then, on the stroke of halftime referee Mike Dean pointed to the spot after Santi Cazorla raised his arms and handled Ashley Young’s cross. United failed to take advantage, Rooney shooting wide of the left post from 12 yards, meaning the striker has now missed nine out of 26 penalties in his club career.

Arsenal improved after the break, with Olivier Giroud striking against the outside of the post from a tight angle, but in truth if always felt as though United was coasting towards a comfortable victory.

In the 66th minute, United found the second goal with a well-worked corner routine seconds after van Persie had forced Mannone into another excellent save.

From the resulting corner, Rooney played a one-two with Young and whipped in a vicious cross for Evra, the shortest man in the penalty area, to head home in the absence of any semblance of marking from the Arsenal defenders.

To add to the misery, Wilshere was sent-off three minutes for a second booking. The midfielder, who was booked in the first half for a late challenge on Tom Cleverley, could have no complaints after lunging in on Evra by the touchline.

The game then meandered to its conclusion before Cazorla scored a wonderful curling goal with the last kick of the match. It was nowhere near enough./goal.com