Manchester United's Win at Arsenal Can Finally Kick-Start Their Season

Louis van Gaal says his time at Bayern Munich changed when, after a less than impressive start to the season, they beat Juventus 4-1 in Turin.

It was the moment, according to Van Gaal, that everything clicked. They went on to win the league and cup double, and reach the Champions League final after knocking out Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United in the quarter-finals.

If Van Gaal is searching for his Juventus moment at United, then the 2-1 win over Arsenal at the Emirates probably wasn't it. But it was a result to kick-start their season. 

Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

It was a first away win since April and the most significant result of Van Gaal's time at Old Trafford. It was a psychological blow landed on a top-four rival. And it gives United some valuable momentum heading into games against Southampton and Liverpool.

It might have been different had Arsenal made their early dominance count. Or if David De Gea wasn't in the form of his life. Saying that, Arsenal were lucky to keep 11 men on the field after Jack Wilshere appeared to head-butt Marouane Fellaini directly in front of referee Mike Dean.

After taking the lead somewhat fortuitously when Kieran Gibbs' turned in Antonio Valencia's driven cross, United were clinical on the break when Wayne Rooney added a second. Angel Di Maria probably should have scored a third.

Michael Regan/Getty Images

United's second-half performance was fantastic. They defended well with Chris Smalling, in particular, doing his best to erase memories of his derby red card.

Ashley Young, on as a first-half substitute for Luke Shaw, was also impressive on his first appearance since August. 

But there are still more questions than answers with United at the moment. Van Gaal started with a three-man defence for the first time since the goalless draw at Burnley on August 30.

Michael Regan/Getty Images

He started the game with Smalling, Tyler Blackett and Paddy McNair at the back, a 14th different centre-half combination this season. It became 15 when Michael Carrick was moved into the defence for the final few minutes. 

At the other end of the pitch, Robin van Persie again looked subdued. There's a growing sense among some fans that the Dutchman's position in the team is becoming increasingly vulnerable. 

Still, it will encourage Van Gaal that even with players missing, and others not playing particularly well, his team can still go to Arsenal and win.

The display at the Emirates might not be United's pivotal moment in the way victory over Juventus was for Bayern in 2009. That is yet to come. But it's a step in the right direction.