Arsenal FC: 3 Conclusions from the Manchester United Game

Arsenal lost 8-2 in a demoralizing fashion to a brilliant Manchester United side. The goals were scored by Wayne Rooney (three goals), Ji sung Park, Ashley Young (two goals) and Nani, as well as the young Mancunian striker Danny Welbeck.

This slideshow will feature five Points of Interest from the game itself.

Summary:

Wayne Rooney scored a hat-trick as Manchester United FC claimed an emphatic 8-2 triumph against 10-man Arsenal FC at Old Trafford, lifting them ahead of neighbours Manchester City FC at the Premier League summit following an impressive 5-1 success at Tottenham Hotspur FC for Roberto Mancini's men.

United were two goals up inside half an hour thanks to Danny Welbeck (22) and Ashley Young (28) before Wayne Rooney (41) added a third and Theo Walcott gave the visitors a glimmer of hope on the stroke of half-time. Rooney removed it again with a wonderful free kick (64) and Sir Alex Ferguson's side added their fifth and sixth in quick succession via Nani (67) and Park Ji-Sung (70).

Although Robin van Persie (74) found the net for Arsenal, their problems increased when Carl Jenkinson was sent off 13 minutes from time, and Rooney completed his treble from the spot before Young rounded off the scoring with his second.

 UEFA.COM

United's Double Pivot in the Front Line

United played what seemed like a 4-4-2 system today. It was their new lineup, adopted since the Community Shield.

Welbeck and Rooney played up front, harassing Djourou and Koscielny. However, there were times when one of them dropped off from the front line to join the midfield, which Rooney usually does, but which both of them did. This was remniscent of the Arsenal double pivot, albeit in midfield, where Jack Wilshere and Alex Song shared defensive responsibilities.

Arsenal's Attacking Performance

Arsenal's attacking performance was woeful, to say the least.

Walcott and Arshavin were ineffectual and Robin Van Persie cut an isolated figure up front. Rosicky and Ramsey were okay in midfield, making some good passes up front. The interesting thing about their performance is that they were playing the counter-attack game that Wenger played in the first half of his reign. 

Arsenal's Defending

Arsenal's defensiveness was shambolic, with United putting eight past them.

Arsenal's defenders were Jenkinson, Djourou, Koscielny and Traore. Traore and Jenkinson are players that would be on the bench, if in the team sheet at all, last season. They pressed high up the pitch, leaving space in behind them for Young and Nani to exploit. Djourou was especially bad, allowing Rooney to have a blinder.