Arsenal gunned down at Old Trafford!

February 16, 2008

Manchester United 4-0 Arsenal

Manchester United absolutely trounced Arsenal to advance to the FA Cup quarter-finals in style. Darren Fletcher bagged a brace.

What was billed as a clash of the titans turned into one of the most one-sided clashes witnessed in years as Manchester United walked all over a desperate Arsenal at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils dominated from start to finish, taking the lead on 15 minutes through Wayne Rooney and going two up through Darren Fletcher.

Lehmann apart, Arsenal were egregious all over the pitch and slipped further behind on 38 minutes as Nani struck. Eboué was dismissed after the break and Fletcher nodded home a fourth while Arsenal failed to register a single effort on target all game.

It finished 4-0: it could and should have been more. Rooney, Nani, Fletcher and Anderson were among the standout performers.

First Half

Both teams fielded strong sides, but by no means their strongest – it was clear despite all the pre-game talk that each manager had an eye on the Champions League. Ronaldo was a notable absentee, with Scholes, Tevez, Adebayor and Flamini all on the subs benches.

United had the first real chance of the match as Anderson fired low and wide. Gallas then caused a bit of panic with a short backpass to Lehmann but the German was quick to react. United continued to dominate and deservedly took the lead in the 15th minute. A series of aerial knock-ons from an Evra corner eventually found Wayne Rooney, six yards out, who was able to hook his header over Lehmann and high into the centre of the net.

Four minutes later another header increased United’s advantage. Nani superbly turned Hoyte inside out before delivering an inch-perfect cross for Fletcher to nod home. Replays showed Gallas may have got the final touch. Rooney, again with his head, looped another chance narrowly over the bar. Arsenal, being beaten in all areas of the pitch, could not find their rhythm.

United were on fire and still posed the greater goal threat. Rooney pounced brilliantly on a moment of Arsenal indecision, outfighting his man but dragging his shot across goal and wide. Another chance went begging after the striker chested down a great ball from Fletcher but couldn’t find the target.

At the other end, a decent run and cross from Traoré met a disappointing end with Bendtner’s weak header, but this was United’s game and the hosts extended their lead through Nani. Super vision from Carrick sprung the Gunners’ offside trap and the Portuguese consummately steered past Lehmann before flipping away in celebration.

The difference in performance levels in this first half was immense, simply unimaginable before kick-off. The league leaders were being destroyed, unable to pass or enjoy any time on the ball. Fletcher almost caught out Lehmann at the back post with what appeared a miscued cross. Van der Sar, by contrast, had not a save to make.

Second Half

United emerged intent on stretching their lead and only a fine parry from Lehmann prevented Rooney from doing so immediately after the restart. The United No10 then blasted a free-kick through the wall – the shot clipped Fletcher but Lehmann got to it.

Arsenal’s fortunes got no better in the 49th minute as Eboué was shown a straight red. The Ivorian lunged at a high ball and put his studs into Evra’s leg. The defender was upset with the punishment but referee Alan Wiley had no real decision to make.

A man and three goals to the good, United showed no intention of sitting on their advantage, sensing the opportunity to inflict major psychological damage on their title rivals. The game now had a more sinister edge to it, with as many cards as goalscoring chances, but that didn’t stop the recently booked Rooney from tricking his way past the Arsenal defence. As the England star’s shot was foiled by the keeper, enough white shirts then got back to clear the danger.

Eduardo flicked a header over the bar for the visitors, but it remained one-way traffic. At times the home side were queuing up for target practice, with Nani, Anderson and Rooney in particular enjoying opportunities. Arsène Wenger admitted defeat in the 70th minute, hauling off Fabregas, Hleb and Eduardo in preparation for AC Milan. A minute later, Rooney and Anderson departed to standing ovations. Even Fabio Capello in the stands applauded.

The crowd roared again on 74 minutes as United hit number four. Much like the second, a dinked Nani cross from the left was nodded home by Fletcher. This time the angle was more acute, the goal without doubt the Scot’s.

Arsenal frustrations boiled over on several occasions: first Adebayor was booked for diving in the box, then Gallas kicked out at Nani and the two squared up. However, the Gunners were unable to channel their anger into anything positive going forward – not once did they hit the target in the whole 90 minutes.

Lehmann, who despite conceding four performed heroics in keeping the scoreline so low, produced another save in the closing stages to deny Saha what looked a certain fifth. The Frenchman then curled another shot wide but it mattered little as United claimed an emphatic victory.

This was one of United’s best showings of the season and, by contrast, without a doubt Arsenal’s worst. The Gunners continue to lead the league, but tonight’s Cup game will have given Sir Alex Ferguson’s side a huge psychological boost.

Line-ups:

United (4-4-1-1): Van der Sar – Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra – Carrick – Park, Fletcher, Anderson (Scholes 71), Nani – Rooney (Saha 71)

Subs not used – Kuszczak, Tevez, O’Shea

Arsenal (4-4-2): Lehmann – Hoyte, Gallas, Touré, Traoré – Eboué, Fabregas (Senderos 70), Gilberto, Hleb (Flamini 70) – Eduardo (Adebayor 70), Bendtner

Subs not used – Fabianski, Clichy

Goals:

* 1-0 Rooney, 15 (Anderson)
* 2-0 Fletcher, 19 (Nani)
* 3-0 Nani, 38 (Carrick)
* 4-0 Fletcher, 74 (Nani)

Cards:

* Yellow: Ferdinand, Rooney, Fletcher / Eduardo, Gilberto, Adebayor
* Red: Eboué (49, serious foul play)