Manchester United – Arsenal

1. Hi, welcome to commentary of Arsenal's trip to Old Trafford. I'm Alex, and I'm excited.

2. The players line up in the tunnel, with The Stone Roses' 'This is the One' belting out over the PA system.

3. The big pre-game news is that Arsene Wenger has decided to leave captain Thierry Henry on the bench, going with Van Persie and Emmanuel Adebayor up front.

4. We're off.

5. 1'

   Arsenal are playing in their yellow away kit, United in their famous red shirts and white shorts.

6. 2'

   It's a dry afternoon in Manchester; the skies are predictably grey, but it should stay dry throughout. The pitch, incidentally, looks impeccable.

7. 3'

   Nothing less than a win will do for Manchester United this afternoon; Chelsea's win earlier today ensured that.

8. 3'

   Giggs shows good defensive awareness to track the run of Eboue and see the ball back to his goalkeeper.

9. 4'

   Giggs is playing in a central midfield role this afternoon, with Ronaldo and Park out on the flanks, and Rooney and Van Nistelrooy up front.

10. 4'

    CHANCE! Great build up play as Fabregas feeds in Adebayor, but Neville comes flying across to put in a crucial tackle.

11. 5'

    Arsenal have made a good start here; Fabregas, who has been in sensational form recently, looks like he could again be the danger man for the visitors.

12. 6'

    Flamini takes an arm in the face as Ronaldo tries to hold him off, out on the right touchline. No harm done, though.

13. 7'

    RUBBISH! Fabregas and Emmanuel Adebayor work the ball out to Eboue, but his shot from just outside the area flies high and wide.

14. 8'

    The pitch seems to be a little greasy; a couple of times, players have just lost their footing for a moment.

15. 9'

    Ronaldo is furious as referee Poll blows for a foul, denying him the chance to play advantage. Ronaldo looks very tanned; he must have been on a sun-bed, because their has been no signs of summer yet in the north west of England.

16. 10'

    Again, Arsenal are doing the early probing and are looking quite dangerous; Adebayor and Van Persie are dropping deep and finding a lot of space.

17. 10'

    Arsenal have a good spell of possession inside the United half, though their can only fashion a long range shooting chance that flies well wide.

18. 11'

    It's really clear that Arsenal have come in to this game on the back of some excellent results recently; they are playing with a lot of confidence in these early stages.

19. 12'

    Pires asks a lot of Adebayor with a pass down the left flank; Ferdinand comes across and does the sweeping up.

20. 13'

    Arsenal don't look to be missing Henry much; they are linking up really well in the final third with some crisp passing.

21. 13'

    A corner from United causes a little concern inside the United box; the ball falls just behind O'Shea, and Ronaldo can't direct his cross to a team-mate.

22. 14'

    Rooney gets his first chance to run at the Arsenal defence; he finds Ronaldo inside him, who is then bundled over for a United free-kick.

23. 14'

    Giggs and Ronaldo stand over the ball, 35 yards out...

24. 15'

    ...Ronaldo strikes it, but he blasts his right-foot shot high over the crossbar.

25. 16'

    Both these sides have had to rebuild over the course of the last couple of years, but they are looking in good shape for it.

26. 17'

    There is a good atmosphere inside the ground this afternoon; this fixture might not be the title-decided of old, but it certainly still has a bit of spice.

27. 18'

    Ebuoe makes a good tackle on Rooney as the United youngster ran at him at pace down the left wing.

28. 19'

    Van Nistelrooy has barely had a touch so far; he is looking a little isolated.

29. 20'

    Eboue makes another important challenge, this time on Park. United corner.

30. 20'

    Giggs takes the corner, lofting the ball out to Rooney, 30 yards out; Pires is quick to close him down, but his push results in another United free-kick.

31. 20'

    Ronaldo and Giggs again stand over the ball...

32. 21'

    ...Again, Ronaldo fires in the shot, but Lehmann is well positioned and punches clear.

33. 22'

    Adebayor turns Neville brilliantly on the half-way line, but his attempted pass out to Van Persie is poor and easily intercepted by Vidic.

34. 22'

    GREAT STRIKE! Rooney pounces on a half-clearance, blasting a low shot goalwards from just outside the area, but Lehmann makes an excellent low save, down to his right.

35. 23'

    Could that Rooney strike be the catalyst for a better period for the home side?

36. 24'

    United were pretty much second best at the start of the game, but have now got themselves back in to it; there is a nice, quick tempo to the play now.

37. 25'

    Arsenal have a very young side out this afternoon, but they are playing with real confidence and zip.

38. 25'

    HORRIBLE! Hleb cuts inside from the right wing, but his left-footed shot flies high and wide.

39. 26'

    Both managers, I imagine, will be pleased with the start their sides have made; United are starting to settle now and look a little more threatening going forward.

40. 26'

    Fabgregas' use of the football is superb; he rarely wastes a pass and is crucial to the pace and fluidity of Arsenal's play.

41. 26'

    SAVE! Rooney shows great strength to hold off Eboue inside the area, before firing in a low, left-footed shot; Lehmann is down quickly to palm away. Great stuff.

42. 27'

    OVER! Van Persie blasts a shot over Van der Sar's crossbar after the ball sits up for him on the edge of the penalty area. He should have done much better there.

43. 28'

    Despite the fact that Arsenal have had more of the ball, so far it is Lehmann who has been forced in to action far more than his opposite number.

44. 29'

    A poor touch from Park sees the ball run out of play on the left touchline.

45. 30'

    United win another free-kick when Rooney is pushed by Senderos. United opt to take it quick, but the young Arsenal back four are alert to the danger.

46. 31'

    United are back in the game now, after an indifferent start; they are competing more in midfield, and their back four are starting to get the measure of Adebayor and Van Persie.

47. 32'

    Ronaldo makes a crucial interception as Fabregas tries to feed the ball out to Pires on the left wing.

48. 33'

    Of course, Arsenal need the three points as much as United, but for different reasons; Spurs' win yesterday means they can't afford any slip-ups in their Premiership run-in.

49. 34'

    GREAT CHANCE! Neville swings a hopeful ball in to the penalty area; Toure, oddly, allows the ball to bounce, but Giggs can't direct his header on target after making a late run behind him.

50. 35'

    SUPER EFFORT! Van Persie shows great skill to control the ball and fire in a low shot from 20 yards, but Van der Sar gets down well to save.

51. 36'

    CHANCE! Van Nistelrooy sprints through on goal; he takes his shot early, but drags his right-foot effort wide of the far post. He should have done much better there; great chance for the home side.

52. 37'

    It has been a really open, entertaining first half here at Old Trafford; both sides are playing with confidence and a real carefree attitude.

53. 38'

    Gilberto is doing a good job in front of the Arsenal back four; his role is critical in allowing Fabregas the chance to play further up the field.

54. 38'

    Great run from Giggs as he ties up a couple of defenders before playing in Park on the touchline. His cross finds Van Nistelrooy, but he can't get enough power in the header to test Lehmann.

55. 39'

    Adebayor is brought down by Park, out on the right touchline; a chance for Arsenal to swing in a dangerous cross...

56. 40'

    Van Persie swings the ball in to the middle; it comes off Giggs' head and flies high in the air, but Van der Sar collects.

57. 41'

    GOOD HANDS! Ronaldo fires in another shot from distance, but Lehmann shows good handling skills to claim the ball, with Van Nistelrooy lurking for any mistakes.

58. 42'

    Van Nistelrooy catches Gilberto as they tussle for the ball in midfield. The Brazilian hops around on one leg for a moment or two, but seems okay.

59. 43'

    Both sides, of course, have plenty of attacking options on the bench, with Saha for United and Ljungberg and Henry named as substitutes for Arsenal.

60. 43'

    AMAZING! Rooney breaks the off-side trap; he rounds Lehmann but is sent wide; Toure sprints back, trips over Lehmann, but gets back to the line; Senderos throws himself at Rooney's shot and seems to palm it on to the near post with his hand!

61. 44'

    That was a really big moment in the match; Rooney did well to steady himself after rounding the keeper, and it was Toure who deflected the ball on to the post with his arm before Arsenal clear.

62. 44'

    It was a difficult decision for the referee to make; Rooney's shot was hit really hard, and there was no real way he could have spotted Toure's handball.

63. 46'

    HALF-TIME: Arsenal started better, but United finished the half strongly and Lehmann has been forced in to two or three full-stretch saves.

64. 46'

    The players are back out on the pitch, and United kick off the second half. No changes at the break.

65. 47'

    Arsenal have now gone seven hours without conceding a goal; very impressive record, especially considering the age of their defence.

66. 48'

    Gilberto shows good skill in the centre-circle to hold off Van Nistelrooy and keep play moving for the visitors.

67. 49'

    It will be interesting to see which manager makes his move first here; Saha and Henry are certain to see some action as the game goes on, but who will go for broke first?

68. 50'

    Silvestre barges Van Persie off the ball to set up a United counter. Giggs sprints down the left wing, but is brought down by Gilberto. Yellow card for the Arsenal midfield.

69. 51'

    Lehmann slips as he shepherds a ball out of play, and ends up crashing in to the advertising boards. He seems to be okay.

70. 52'

    There is a Premiership record crowd in Old Tafford this afternoon: 70,908.

71. 53'

    Giggs takes a quick free-kick and tries to release Van Nistelrooy in the area, but Gilberto spots the run and makes a crucial interception.

72. 54'

    United have started the second half as they finished the first; the onus is on them, as the home side, to try and break the deadlock here.

73. 54'

    Arsenal win a corner. Van Persie swings it in to the middle, but O'Shea heads clear.

74. 55'

    GOAL! Rooney controls Silvestre's cross brilliantly; he traps the ball dead and smashes past Lehmann from eight yards. Wonderful.

75. 56'

    Great stuff from United as they take the lead in this crucial match; the cross from Silvestre was inch-perfect, and Rooney's control quite wonderful.

76. 57'

    Vidic is booked for pulling back Van Persie as Arsenal looked to break.

77. 57'

    It has been a while since Arsenal found themselves a goal down, but they need to respond quickly if they are to keep in the hunt for fourth place in the Premiership.

78. 58'

    SHOT! Adebayor holds off Neville on the edge of the area before firing in his shot, a thumping drive that flies just over the crossbar.

79. 59'

    Arsenal have got a pretty tough run-in against teams with plenty to fight for, including their great rivals Spurs, so will be hoping for something out of this game - perhaps they will have to settle for a point.

80. 60'

    MIS-KICK! Eboue rounds Rooney on the touchline and heads in to the area; he sends a low cross across the face of goal, but Van Persie completely mis-kicks with the goal at his mercy.

81. 60'

    Arsenal have responded well to going behind, but they need just a little more quality in the final third if they are to snatch an equaliser.

82. 61'

    It looks like United are preparing a change; Saha is stripping off in the dugout.

83. 62'

    I don't think it will be too long before we see the introduction of Henry; Wenger needs his inspirational skipper to light up his side.

84. 62'

    UNITED SUB: Saha replaces Van Nistelrooy; it hasn't been the best of games for Ruud, Saha will add more pace and threat up top for the home side.

85. 63'

    Of course, United will now have plenty of space to attack as Arsenal pile forward; if Rooney can get the ball, there could be trouble for the Gunners.

86. 64'

    Henry is taking his tracksuit bottoms off...

87. 65'

    Rooney trips Hleb as the Arsenal player rounds him on the touchline; no card, it was just a tangle of legs.

88. 66'

    Van Persie sends the free-kick in to a crowded penalty area, but Vidic heads clear; the new United defender has had a good game at the back.

89. 66'

    Giggs robs Eboue in a very dangerous position; he beats the full-back and heads in to the area, before seemingly being pushed to the ground. No penalty, says Poll.

90. 67'

    The game is being played at a furious tempo at the moment; it is fantastic to watch. Real end-to-end stuff.

91. 68'

    GREAT EFFORT! Giggs rolls a free-kick to Rooney; the Boy Wonder takes a touch before smashing a 25 yard-drive goalwards, though Lehmann saves well. Amazing power from Rooney.

92. 69'

    HEADER! Giggs' free-kick is punched in to the air by Lehmann; Ferdinand climbs highest among a group of players to head goalwards, but Senderos heads clear.

93. 70'

    This is phenomenal stuff from both sides; great skill and technique, played at a furious rate.

94. 70'

    ARSENAL SUBS: Fabregas and Van Persie are replaced by Henry and Diaby. Double change from Wenger as he urges his side on in search of a goal.

95. 71'

    Ferdinand is down at the moment, receiving some treatment. After a spell on the touchline, he is back on the pitch and seems to be moving freely enough.

96. 72'

    Pires is pushed by O'Shea as he runs at the heart of the United defence. A booking for the Irish utility man.

97. 72'

    Henry stands over the free-kick, 30 yards out...

98. 73'

    ...But he curls a right-footed shot a few yards wide of the near post. No trouble for Van der Sar.

99. 74'

    Adebayor's touch takes him past Vidic and in to the area, but United have enough players back to snuff out the danger. Arsenal corner...

100. 74'

     CHANCE! The corner is only half-cleared; it falls to Pires, but he drags his shot wide and Eboue can't direct it goalwards at the far post. Poor effort from Pires.

101. 74'

     ARSENAL SUB: Ljugberg comes on for Hleb. Arsenal's final change.

102. 75'

     Senderos is lucky not to give away a free-kick as he blocks off Rooney as the United man tries to close down Lehmann.

103. 76'

     Silvestre is booked for a challenge on Ljungberg. It's a harsh decision; the Arsenal winger just seemed to get his legs tangled.

104. 77'

     GREAT DEFENDING! Ferdinand makes a strong, well-timed challenge on Ljungberg as he broke in to the penalty area.

105. 78'

     GOAL! Rooney gets to the by-line after rounding Senderos; he doesn't panic as he faces Lehmann, instead he picks out Park with a low pass to the back post and the South Korean international slides home.

106. 79'

     United are just eleven minutes away from a massive win; it just keeps them in with a shout of catching Chelsea.

107. 80'

     Ronaldo is unbelieveably lazy at times; he just stands and watches as Pires walks towards him with the ball at his feet; the thought of making a tackle seems to be the furthest thing from his mind.

108. 81'

     Adebayor shows good pace to beat Vidic, but he can't pick out a team-mate with a cross.

109. 82'

     Vidic has been immense at the back for United; after a shakey start, he and Ferdinand have been excellent.

110. 83'

     UNITED SUB: Evra comes on to replace Park; Park has played his part in this United win, grabbing the crucial second goal. Evra comes on to give the home side a more defensive feel.

111. 85'

     Senderos almost finds Ljungberg with a good low pass, but Silvestre gets just enough on the interception to take the ball away from the Arsenal winger.

112. 86'

     Saha flicks on a long clearance from Van der Sar, but Senderos comes across to clear as Rooney looked to pounce on the loose ball.

113. 87'

     With the game seemingly out of Arsenal's reach, the tempo and tension has gone out of the play.

114. 88'

     Ferdinand breaks from the back; he feeds the ball in to the feet of Rooney, but the United star can't take the ball in his stride.

115. 89'

     Ronaldo gets the chance to run at Senderos; he does a couple of quite unnecessary step-overs before the big Swiss defender decides he's had enough and robs him of the ball.

116. 90'

     FULL-TIME: United are good value for their ninth consecutive Premiership victory; the gap at the top is still seven points with just five matches to play.

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