EPL Player Ratings: Manchester United Vs Arsenal:1-0:

Arsenal

Manchester United

• Park Ji-Sung 40'

Arsenal suffered their fifth loss of the season giving up first place on the English Premier League table after a frail performance saw the Gunners deservedly lose 1-0 to arch rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford. Sir Alex Ferguson's men are now elevated to the top of England with Arsenal demoted to second.

On a cold, cold evening, in what was a rusty, energetic encounter, largely dominated by United, Arsenal lacked their usual flowing confidence in attack as the Red Devils enjoyed the domination of possession. The North London giants were guilty of some torrid passing and lacklustre control as Manchester United looked to threaten early on.

An injury to inform shot stopper Lukasz Fabianski ensured boom youngster Wojciech Szczensy was gifted his first Premier League debut. The young Polish keeper made a number of impressive saves in the opening exchanges, boasting confidence beyond his years.

The much hyped clash was predominantly captured in the heart of the midfield in the opening half. United's Portuguese winger Nani tormented Gael Clichy early on but the Arsenal defenders held strong. However, as half time approached, Nani once again benefited from frail Clichy defending and glided past the Frenchman on the edge of the box and provided a flaky cross, that took a deflection off the struggling Clichy.

United's South Korean sensation Park Ji-Sung was the quickest to react and pounced with a delicate header that glided past Szczensy and just inside the left post. It had been a relatively lifeless first half and fans and critics alike were hoping the goal would reinstall life into the usually entertaining encounter.

It was Sir Alex Ferguson's men who came out the livelier in the second period. Once again the United midfield continued to dominate and boss possession, whilst the back-line rarely looked to be breaking much sweat.

United's midfielder Anderson was gifted a glorious chance when the Brazilian was elegantly played through by Wayne Rooney, after a neat buildup play. However the highly touted Szczensy made a smart save, furthering his claim for the No. 1 spot.

Arsenal began to spark to life as possession began to materialize. However, United's collective defence failed to fault despite the quick, one-touch attack of the Gunners. Still Arsene Wenger's men lacked progressive movement of a clinical touch as Russian dynamo Andrei Arshavin and stand-in captain Tomas Rosicky attempted to equalize from long range.

Nani and Samir Nasri both had chances respectively but both sides appeared to be enduring the cold harshly as first touch and control began to evade both sides as the game wore on.

Cesc Fabregas's persistent hamstring injury had forced the Arsenal captain to start from the bench whilst Robin van Persie was also deemed unfit to start the vital encounter. Wenger brought his dynamic duo on in the sixty-fifth minute but shortly after Gael Clichy was adjudged to have hand balled after slipping in his box and handling the ball.

Despite there being no clear intent from the Frenchman Howard Webb, nonetheless awarded United the penalty and the opportunity to kill the game off. However, Wayne Rooney skied his effort well over the bar, summing up the English striker's night.

However, it failed to return and taunt the struggling starlet has Arsenal were unable to conjure up and capitalize on a chance. Neither side could really be proud on their performances but in truth the better side secured the three points.

The correct side now leads the ascendancy and the loss for the Gunners shows that no longer is Arsenal lack of success down to fitness issues, keeping conundrums or lack of funds. Plain and simple, Sir Alex Ferguson's squad is superior to Arsene Wenger.

Player Ratings

Arsenal

Wojceich Szczensy, 6.5: The Polish youngster shone on his Premier League debut, looking calm and confident as the 20-year-old dealt with the United threats with ease. Could do nothing about the goal.

Bacary Sagna, 5: The French defender was guilty of some horrid crosses that broke down Arsenal attacks. Sagna was also caught out by the prominent Park Ji-Sung, who was threatening down the right flank.

Sebastien Squillaci, 6: The former Seville defender dealt with Wayne Rooney well and looked solid at the back despite the odd shaky heady.

Laurent Koscienly, 6.5: The Frenchman was strong and solid, making a number of vital interceptions and tackles. Calm behind the ball and was also strong in containing Rooney.

Gael Clichy, 4.5: The French left back was torrid and tentative when attempting to deal with United's key attacker Nani. He consistently allowed the Portuguese winger too much space and was at fault for the goal.

Alexandre Song, 5: The Cameroon midfielder endured a terrible night on the ball with almost all of his passes going astray. Worked tirelessly in defence and aided his defenders impressively but poor passing taints his performance.

Jack Wilshere, 6: The teenage sensation was a mature, calm force in the midfield who failed to back down physically too. Looked lively in attack before being substituted for Cesc Fabregas.

Tomas Rosicky, 6: The Czech playmaker attempted to orchestrated the midfield and attack but failed to conjure up anything that really threatened. The stand in captain also wasted a good opportunity with a rash shot.

Samir Nasri, 5.5: Where was Arsenal Player of the Season so far? Too anonymous when the Gunners needed an attacking spark as the French dynamo looked tentative in attack. Threatened late on however.

Andreir Arshavin, 5.5: The Russian dynamo had his moments in attack and attempted to take on the United defence. However Arshavin was lazy in defence and too often wasteful in possession.

Marouane Chamakh, 6: The Moroccan worked tirelessly in attack but to no reward. He showed good strength and control on occasions but nothing ever materialized for the striker.

Substitutes

Robin van Perise, 5: The Dutch maestro was brought on to add life to the Arsenal attack. However van Persie was lifeless and frail. Ensured the Arsenal fans smiled slightly when the Dutchman knocked over Patrice Evra.

Cesc Fabrgeas, 5.5: The captain tried gallantly but was evidently rusty from his short lay off.

Theo Walcott, N/A