Manchester United hosted Arsenal in a game that was crucial for United to keep their lead and put pressure on Chelsea, who play tomorrow at home against Wigan.
On the other hand, Arsenal had to win this game to keep their title hopes alive.
Manchester went into the game after a 1-0 victory against Roma earlier this week, which sent them into the semi finals of the Uefa Champions League. However, Arsenal weren't so lucky after a 4-2 defeat to Liverpool.
Arsenal started the game strong putting pressure on United.
15 minutes in, and United started to fire their pistons. Rooney had several chances to put the home team in front and if it wasn't for Jens Lehman, they surely would have been in front.
On the other side Van der Sar was also brilliant in protecting United's goal. Emmanuel Adebayor had several chances including a one-on-one against Van der Sar, who was up to the challenge to save the shot.
The first half ended pretty much even, with both sides missing several opportunities.
The second half started with an Arsenal goal. Robin Van Persie crossed the ball from the left in United's box, only for Adebayor to head it in, or so the referee thought. Adebayor clearly didn't get a touch on the ball with his head, but with both hands.
Nevertheless, United quickly responded and got a penalty kick. Ronaldo stepped up, shot it to the left and scored, but the referee asked him to play it again as some players had stepped into the box. Ronaldo took the second shot even better, right in the low left corner in which Lehmann guessed right, but couldn't stop it.
United made two substitutions: Tevez for Park and Anderson for Scholes. United Kept putting pressure on Arsenal hoping they would score a second. I
n the 72nd minute, United's break came with Patrice Evra getting fouled on the edge of the box. Owen Hargreaves and Cristiano Ronaldo both step up to take it. Hargreaves curls it over the wall and the ball goes into the back of the net.
Lehmann didn't move, he couldn't do anything.
From then on Arsenal were pushing forward to get the goal back. They had several good chances, but Van der Sar brilliantly stopped them.
Four minutes of added time were given and Arsenal kept pushing forward but United stole the ball and pushed forward. Ronaldo took the ball past the defense and with some neat foot tricks he was able to keep the ball and waste precious time. Eventually Ronaldo was fouled near the corner and the referee blew the whistle.
Joyous screams could be heard around the stadium, this win could have sealed the league title for United.
The first game of four crucial games for United, ended up to their advantage. United surely looked like they miss Nemanja Vidic in the back, their defense was a bit shaky at times.
Next stop for United is Barcelona: Part two of their four steps to the top.
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