Diaby scores on the wrong end,Arsenal lose

Before the season started we expected Manchester United v Arsenal could be a close game but as the weeks progressed we saw Arsenal rampaging through opponents. Everton 6-1 away on the first weekend, Celtic 2-0 away in Champions League play offs, 4-1 against Portsmouth. On the other hand, Manchester United were lucky to get past Birmingham on the first weekend, lost to Burnley away and then came back strongly against Wigan with a 5-0 drubbing.

Arsenal were expected to run through Manchester United or at least dominate but there was a big difference for Arsenal to deal with. No Cesc Fabregas in the team. The Spaniard was out because of an injury and had missed second leg v Celtic.

Arshavin put the Gunners ahead five minutes from the half with a fantastic strike after only a few minutes of having a penalty shout turned down. The penalty should have been awarded in my view. Fletcher slid in on Arshavin but Mike Dean turned the appeal down.

Rooney equalised for Manchester United after Almunia brought him down in the box in the 59th minute. However, there have been allegations that Rooney was going down even before Almunia made any contact with the Englishman. Nonetheless, Rooney stepped up to convert the penalty and square the contest.

Five minutes later, Diaby headed a rather easy ball to deal with onto his own goal.A big blunder by the Frenchman to put the Champions ahead.

In the dying minutes, Van Persie netted the ball but it was adjudged to be offside. Everyone in North London celebrated along with Arsenal players and Arsene Wenger but it was shortlived. Arsene Wenger's frustration led him to do this ..
(Picture : The Sun)
and fourth official in consultation with Mike Dean sent him off.



Bizaree end to the game with Manchester United fans calling him a "paedophile". Something uncalled for and totally ridiculous.

The Day After : Referee's would apologise to Wenger for sending him off. Fair enough.