2 – GREAT EIGHT SHOW
United 8 Arsenal 2
Previous Trafford
28 August 2011
In a nutshell: An unfathomable late-summer afternoon will get higher. And higher. And higher…
What occurred? Contemporary from a nineteenth title and buoyed by an inflow of younger expertise, United’s opening to the 2011/12 marketing campaign would show nothing wanting sensational, and Arsenal – with a raft of absentees – copped a really public skewering in entrance of a thrilled capability crowd. Danny Welbeck’s early header, David De Gea’s penalty save, Ashley Younger’s barnstorming roller and Wayne Rooney’s clipped effort had the Reds three forward earlier than Theo Walcott restored a component of competitors on the stroke of half-time. Reasonably than shut out the win, nevertheless, the bloodthirsty hosts had been remorseless within the second interval. Rooney accomplished a hat-trick, Nani chipped impishly dwelling and Ji-sung Park fired in, as did visiting skipper Robin van Persie, leaving the scoreline at a barely credible 7-2 as injury-time started. Nonetheless United pressed on, aiming to additional break a aspect decreased to 10 males by Carl Jenkinson’s dismissal, and the group’s calls for of an eighth purpose had been glad when Younger curled in one other stunner to wrap up a report win on this fixture – Premier League or in any other case.
Any aftermath? Ripping up the shape ebook, Sir Alex used his post-match interview to supply his assist to Wenger. “The job he’s achieved for 15 years has been phenomenal,” mentioned the Scot. “He’s been an enormous adversary to me and he’ll proceed to be one.”
1 – TUNNEL VISION
Arsenal 2 United 4
Highbury
1 February 2005
In a nutshell: The rivalry’s superb, unmissable peak.
What occurred? Although Chelsea had been already nearly assured of a Premier League trophy which had spent 11 of the earlier 12 years residing at both Previous Trafford or Highbury, the Reds’ midweek journey to north London remained required viewing. The world awaited, popcorn on the prepared. Certain sufficient, it delivered. Conscious of United’s bodily method at Previous Trafford earlier within the season, Gunners skipper Patrick Vieira assured Gary Neville that the hosts wouldn’t stand for any roughhousing once more, jostling the Reds defender contained in the Highbury corridors after the warm-up, then once more as the perimeters lined as much as enter the world. Not advisable. Not on Roy Keane’s watch. “They had been attempting to bully him,” the Irishman later mirrored. “So, I mentioned to myself, ‘all proper, let’s go.’” Keane sprung into motion, calling out Vieira and launching right into a full-blown, finger-jabbing row in entrance of the Sky Sports activities cameras. “Grown males, bitching,” he later labelled it with a smile however, on the time, the United skipper was point-scoring for his group. As referee Graham Ballot calmed issues, Keane produced the long-lasting line: “I’ll see you on the market.” Whether or not menacing or tantalising, relying in your allegiance, the United captain had set the stage superbly. “When Roy’s achieved that, you’re already forward,” Darren Fletcher later grinned. Over the following 90 minutes, in Keane’s phrases: “We went out and performed like Brazil.” Vieira’s opener fuelled a raucous ambiance, as did Dennis Bergkamp’s second after Ashley Cole had deflected in a Ryan Giggs shot, however United bossed the bodily battle and, earlier than lengthy, the soccer too. Cristiano Ronaldo’s quickfire double put the guests forward, Mikael Silvestre departed early after inexplicably headbutting Freddie Ljungberg, earlier than substitute John O’Shea supplied a startling late cameo by chipping in a fourth. A breathless encounter, infused with unhealthy blood and nice soccer in equal measure, and an instantaneous traditional to outline the Premier League’s definitive rivalry.
Any aftermath? From the height, the one manner is down, and the rivalry’s ferocity was quickly consigned to the historical past books. Although a spectacle invariably ensues when the 2 sides meet, there has lengthy been an absence of added needle. With the present Arsenal squad showing settled beneath supervisor Mikel Arteta, and United seeking to enhance on final season beneath Erik ten Hag’s rule, nevertheless, the 2 sides each have their sights set on a profitable marketing campaign forward. Get the popcorn prepared for Premier League assembly no.61 between the groups, and a 237th head-to-head general…
This function was initially printed in our matchday programme United Overview, for the conflict towards Arsenal at Previous Trafford in September 2022.
