Arsenal Player Ratings Vs. Manchester United

Manuel Almunia (9)

A sensational performance. Ensured Arsenal were not punished for their poor defending. Two consecutive amazing reaction saves were easily the pick of the bunch.

Bacary Sanga (6)

Solid when called upon but a few times looked a bit tentative and negative. Handled Wayne Rooney well.

Kolo Toure (6)

A little sluggish and sloppy early on, but as the game grew he made a number of vital interceptions and clearance.

Mikeal Silvestre (4)

Poor defending, poor control, and poor passing. His lack of control led to the United goal.

Kieran Gibbs (6)

Not too bad considering he was up against the world's best and has only participated in a handful of games. The smart and quick passing got the better of the teenager, and he did play an awful back pass to Almunia, which was lucky not to have found the back of the net.

Theo Walcott (6)

Seemed the most likely candidate for an Arsenal goal. Wasted a good opportunity late in the first term but did show good speed and balance. Probably should not have been substituted, but Arsene Wenger can be reckless at times, as it was obvious Diaby was not needed.

Cesc Fabregas (6.5)

Tried his hardest to find a way for Arsenal to appear on the score sheet. His passing was astray too often but did hold the ball up and wait for a suitable pass.

Samir Nasri (5.5)

Seemed to reside in the middle as Diaby played out wide, which was odd. Never saw enough ball, which has become a thing for the Frenchman in recent games.

Alexandre Song (5)

His defence was lackluster, and he rarely looked dominant. A few good passes but too often was caught out in defence.

Abou Diaby (4)

Really the Frenchman should have been in the middle and Samir Nasri out wide. Failed to find control and did not make his presence felt.

Emmanuel Adebayor (5)

Needed to take a leaf out of Bendtner's books. Did not work hard enough and was another victim of poor control.

Nicklas Bendtner (5.5)

Came on and attempted to spark things for the Gunners but failed to find a way. Should have scored with a good attempt of a header.

Eduardo (n/a)

Not on long enough to rate.