Boys 1 Men 3

"Men against boys."  Was the emphatic statement from Patrice Evra after Manchester United's crushing 1-3 defeat of Arsenal in the Champions League semi-final at The Emirates last May. 

I suspect he may be in demand for a quote right now.

Fast forward ten months and disappointingly for Arsenal fans it was a case of 'same story, different day.'  The manner in which Manchester United brushed aside Arsenal today was exceptionally efficient, and almost shockingly easy. 

Many expected it to be a close game.  Arsenal's recent ten match unbeaten run- in which they showed a lot of resolve and character not to mention skill- hinted at that.

The first 32 minutes raised expectations.

End to end, with both teams having cause for thinking that they could have justifiably been ahead. 

Andrey Arshavin had the best of those chances, but both times he failed to hit the target, when a team mate was an easy pass away. 

Nani and Wayne Rooney were looking equally dangerous at the other end.  Rooney's heel- under pressure from Gallas- denying him the chance to notch up his 100th Premier League goal.  He wouldn't be denied for much longer though.

The dead lock was broken in the 33rd minute when Nani preformed an outrageous bit of skill on his wing to dance past Cesc Fabregas, cut into the box, then dinked in a lob-cross which caught Manuel Almunia unaware.  The Arsenal goal-keeper should have done better, but only succeeded in parrying the ball into his net.

That signalled the beginning of the devastating passage of United play that ended any hope Arsenal had of getting anything other then a defeat from the game.

For Arsenal, United's second goal had shades of Ronaldo in the Champions League semi-final about it.   

Rooney- not far from his own area- unleashed a rampant Nani down the right-wing, and then arrived at the other end right on time to drill in a low shot passed Almunia.

The way United were carving Arsenal open at this stage must have frightening for Arsene Wenger, and they were lucky when Thomas Vermaelen got a touch on a goal- bound shot from Nani that flew wide.

When the second half began, and the next goal was crucial.  If Arsenal got it, we had a match.  If United got it, curtains. 

Embarrassment. 

Is probably what Arsene Wenger felt, when that goal did come, as it went to Manchester United and Park Ji-Sung, who ran unopposed from inside the centre circle to poke in a low shot.  0-3. Game over.  Thank you very much, and good night.

Arsenal did rally, and Thomas Vermaelen got a goal back on 80 minutes when his shot took a slight deflection off Jonny Evans and evaded Edwin Van der Sar, setting up the possibility of a thrilling finale.

In truth, Manchester United were comfortable and that goal turned out to be nothing more than a mere consolation. 

Once again it will raise questions about Arsenal ability to see a league campaign through to the end.  Many commentators have long held the belief that they lose their legs and it would appear that this just may be the start of that. 

The last time they were humbled so humiliatingly was the defeat to Chelsea.  That time, they fought their way back into the title race with consistent run of form. 

You get the feeling that this time it may be too late. 

Of course, it still may not be over for The Gunners.  They visit Stamford Bridge next Sunday, and a victory there can put them right back in the mix. 

After today though, it's not looking very likely.

With 22 hours and three minutes till the transfer window shuts, I would imagine Arsenal fans everywhere will be wondering the same thing.

The only thing I would ask is, who?

For Manchester United, it was a tremendous victory which underlined why they have been Champions for the past three seasons.  They have the know-how. 

The ability.  

The ruthlessness.  

Traits Arsenal need to develop if they have any hope of winning this league.