Arsenal Player Ratings vs Manchester United

Arsenal faced one of their toughest rivals, Premiers Manchester United. For sixty minutes of the nail-biting encounter Arsenal dominated, playing brilliant football that included sharp passing, great running, and solid defending.

But as the hour mark approached a mistake from Arsenal keeper Manuel Almunia meant Andrei Arshavin's first half striker was crossed out as Rooney blasted home a penalty. Then Abou Diaby mistimed a header in his own box and all of a sudden it's 2-1 Manchester United.

To be fair to the Gunners, they did not to deserve to lose.

Arsenal player ratings

Manuel Almunia: 5.5—Sadly he is to be blamed for letting United back into the contest. Rushed out of his line when Rooney was going know where and completely mistimed with his dive, which resulted in a penalty. However was strong on the ground and stopped most efforts that came his way.

Bacary Sagna: 8—Strong performance from the reliable Frenchmen. Covered Nani strongly, often pinning him back into his own half. Also provided great support in attack with a number of fine crosses and passing. Although on more than one occasion his crossing lack direction.

William Gallas: 8—Another dominant performance from the Frenchman. Managed everything that was thrown at him from the United attack and was strong in the air. However was the man who was offside for van Persie's late strike.

Thomas Vermaelen: 7—Handled Rooney with ease and was particularly strong in the air. Continues to provided solid performances.

Gael Clichy: 7—Controlled Valencia and pulsated down the left side offering a very valuable asset in attack.

Alexandre Song: 7—Good strength and tackling. Controlled the defensive side of the Arsenal midfield but was a slow in attack.

Denilson: 6.5—Some good challenges to close down the United attack, also worked hard in attack but at times his passing let him down.

Abou Diaby: 6—What on Earth was he doing, surely every one is asking themselves this. When the United free kick was swung into the box Diaby was free with a simple clearance but instead the Frenchmen headed towards his own goal and into the back of the net. Otherwise a very strong attacking performance as he big strong legs were to hard at times for United.

Emmanuel Eboue: 6—Some strong runs from the Ivorian saw him look a big threat to the United defence however on two many occasions failed to control the ball.

Andrei Arshavin: 8.5—An excellent performance. A beautiful effort to open the scoring and was unlucky not to have two to his name. Also deserved a penalty. However, the Russian needed to see more ball but unfortunately picked up a knock.

Robin van Persie: 7—Didn't work hard enough as the lone striker but at times did perform well. Really deserved a goal to his name with some fine efforts from set pieces and in the box.

Substitutes

Nicklas Bendtner: 6—Possibly should have started, some strong runs and a beautiful curling cross for Eduardo should of been put away, but Eduardo failed.

Eduardo: 5.5—Failed to use his Croatian magic and really should have put Bendtner's cross away.

Aaron Ramsey: 5—Really, Jack Wilshere should have been brought on, not Ramsey. Showed he is still a little inexperienced after some horrible passing.