Arsenal Undone by Poor Refereeing against Manchester United

The gulf in class between Arsenal and United during the weekend clash was visible for all to see.

Despite controlling most of the game, however, Arsenal were brought down by a penalty and a shocking own goal.

The refereeing during the game was just as bad as the goals Arsenal conceded.

The game started off at a fairly slow tempo, with both sides giving the ball away cheaply, this resulting in many tackles flying around. The first chance falling to Darren Fletcher, who couldn't keep the ball down as he sliced his volley over the goal.

There weren't many more clear-cut chances, with both sides winning several freekicks.

The biggest moment in the game, perhaps, was when a cross came in and found its way to Arshavin wide open. Fletcher came flying in and got little or none of the ball and took Arshavin out with both feet.

The referee, however, was convinced it wasn't a penalty.

Just 30 seconds later, Arshavin took his frustration out on the ball, firing it home from long range. Ben Foster managed to get both hands on the shot, but it wasn't enough to keep the ball out, as it hit the back of the net.

United continued to press towards the end of the half and got a few great chances, only to be snuffed out by a solid Arsenal defence. They couldn't capitalize on the pressure and went into halftime with Arshavin's goal standing between the two teams.

The home team would have looked to continue heaping pressure on the Arsenal defence at the start of the second half, but instead, it was Arsenal who were on the attack.

Ben Foster kept the score at 1-0, as a low cross from Arshavin found Robin Van Persie. The low drive from Arsenal's main striker was blocked by an instinctive save from Foster.

Not too long after, the momentum turned back to United's favour, as they pushed for an equalizer. Ryan Giggs fed the ball through the defence. Almunia, who was quickly off his line to get the ball, was rushed by Rooney. The United striker poked the ball away, as he went down looking for a penalty.

Replays showed evidence of a blatant dive, as Rooney went down well before he made contact with Almunia, but another poor refereeing decision allowed the Red Devils to equalize.

Play continued with a back-and-forth battle, with both teams counter attacking and creating breaks. United eventually won a free kick on the flank. Ryan Giggs sent the ball flying in, and with no United players anywhere near Diaby, it should have been an easy clearance, but a mistimed header sent the home team ahead.

Diaby went to undo the horrible own goal but creating an amazing opportunity straight from the kickoff, but his left-footed shot was dragged wide.

Arsenal could do nothing but push forward for the equaliser. They got their fair share of chances and controlled the game from there on.

However, with everyone pushed forward in search of a second goal meant a thin defence. This allowed United to break on several occasions, but they failed to capitalize on their chances.

In what should have been the last attack of the game, however, Arsenal did get a goal when Aaron Ramsey chipped the ball into the box. Gallas headed the ball down for Van Persie to rifle home from close range.

The goal, however, was chalked off because Gallas was offside when the Ramsey's pass came in.

Further controversy saw Arsene Wenger sent off in the dying moments of the game. The whistle was blown, as the Arsenal manager was being escorted to the stands.

The loss ends Arsenal's four-game winning streak, and it is a big win for a United team that has had a shaky start to the season.