31 January 2010
Barclays Premier League, Emirates Stadium
ARSENAL 1
(Vermaelen 80)
MANCHESTER UNITED 3
(Nani 33, Rooney 37, Park 52)
United: van der Sar; Rafael, Brown, Evans, Evra; Nani (Berbatov 89), Carrick, Scholes (Giggs 71) Fletcher, Park (Valencia 87); Rooney. Subs not used: Kuszczak, de Laet, Gibson, Owen.
Arsenal: Almunia; Sagna (Eboue 72), Vermaelen, Gallas, Clichy; Denilson (Walcott 61), Song, Rosicky (Bendtner 72), Fabregas, Nasri; Arshavin. Subs not used: Fabianski, Silvestre, Traore, Ramsey.
Two years ago this month, a superb team display gave United a first-ever league win at the Emirates Stadium.
Nani was the architect of the Reds' opener just after the half-hour mark, jinking past three men on the right before chipping a precise far-post cross which Arsenal keeper Manuel Almunia could only palm into his own net.
Wayne Rooney doubled the lead four minutes later with his 100th Premier League goal, a first-time finish following a wonderful breakaway move involving Nani, which was later named United's goal of the season.
And another counter-attack produced the champions' third goal early in the second period, as Ji-sung Park received a neat Michael Carrick pass to race away and slot past Almunia.
Thomas Vermaelen's late consolation, which deflected off Jonny Evans, ensured a repeat scoreline of the previous season's Champions League semi-final, second leg.
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