World Class Manchester United tip Arsenal 3-1

Manchester United played like the best squad in the world Sunday afternoon on the road at The Emirates Stadium as they dispatched rivals Arsenal in grand fashion.  Nani was truly on a level of his own on the day and Wayne Rooney showed why he is the hottest goal scorer in the world.

An entertaining match between #2 and #3 in the English Premier League got off to a rousing start as Arsenal and Manchester United showed an end to end style right from the opening whistle.  The match was turned on its head after half an hour when Nani took over creating a spectacular goal. 

Nani picked up the ball on the wide right and moved into the corner where he was confronted by a pair of Arsenal defender.  A wonderful flick split the two defenders and sent Nani racing into the Arsenal box where he skipped past another Arsenal defender.  Raising his head, Nani picked out teammates on the back post and lifted a deft floater that was destined to be knocked home by Ji Sung Park, but keeper Almunia leaped and tried to push it over the crossbar.  The ball was inches too high for Almunia and his slight deflection sent the ball into the back side netting.

Manchester United and coach Alex Ferguson celebrated the wonderful display of creativity.  Just minutes later it would be a world class counter attack that would make it 2-0.   Arsenal were pushing for the equalizer when United picked up the ball at the top of their own area.  A perfect pass released a streaking Nani who flew into the Arsenal half with Wayne Rooney sprinting down the center of the field.  Nani laid a perfect ball to the top of the Arsenal box where Rooney slotted it home after his 80 yard run.  As good a counter attack as a soccer fan will ever be witness to.

Meanwhile, Arsenal clawed but couldnt get back in as Arshavin and Sagna both missed good chances and the match went to halftime 2-0 Manchester United.  Rooney signaled United would be looking for more as he curled a shot that forced Almunia into action early in the 2nd half.  Just minutes later they would have their 3rd as once again Arsenal were caught short in the back and Man U raced forward with a 3v1 counter.  The lone Arsenal defender was caught between stopping Ji Sung Park with the ball or trying to deny Rooney and Nani who were flying unmarked towards the backside.  Almunia was left to deal with Park who calmly slotted home making it 3-0.

Once again Arsenal went searching for an answer only to see Cesc Fabregas blow a chance on the other end and thus the story of the game was clearly in form as it was the creativity and clinical finishing of Manchester United versus the blown chances from Arsenal.

Arsenal did get a glimmer of hope in the 80th minute as Thomas Vermaelen volleyed a deflected shot past Edwin van der Sar to make it 3-1 and the home crowd sprung to life.  It was all hands on deck for Man U as they tried to see the game out.  An empty net header from Gallas that went wide summed up the day for Arsenal as Manchester United were the victors 3-1.