Boys Against Men: Arsenal vs Man Utd

"Stupid Arsene Wenger."

That seems to be the general gripe of many Arsenal/anti-United fans this morning after watching Fergie's men decimate the boys from London in the most professional of manners. While I would find it hard to deny that I found more than my fair share of personal glee watching the home side crumble so magnificently, I would say that even as a United fan, that sentiment is harsh. Arsenal fans, indeed, all football fans, should instead pay tribute to the young team, going so far with a thin and ultimately inexperienced squad, without resorting to the extravagant costs and transfer fees that some others (including United) have made use of.

What more could Wenger have done this morning, even as he looked like he was trying to bury his face in his hands after 11 minutes? Blaming either the French manager or young Gibbs for Park Ji-Sung's opener is unfair by any means; Gibbs has been arguably one of the finds of Arsenal's season - like the Da Silva twins for United - and it was misfortune that gifted the South Korean midfielder his chance, which he still had to take (and which he did, admirably). The second goal, which effectively killed the tie, might be attributed to Almunia being stuck in slow-motion, but credit has to go to the brilliance of everyone's favourite scapegoat, Cristiano Ronaldo, who showed the visiting David Beckham that the number 7 jersey is well and truly his. Besides, would Fabianski have made the reaction saves to deny Rooney's curler and Ronaldo's snap shot later?

Arsenal were, of course, denied the services of their Russian maestro Andrei Arshavin, who in recent times has displayed just why for a time, he was one of the most sought-after prospects in Europe. Lacking his attacking thrust, the quadruple failings of Emmanuel Adebayor, Robin Van Persie, Theo Walcott and (the surprisingly anonymous) Cesc Fabregas failed to pose any sort of threat to the United backline. Other injuries have also forced Wenger's hand in his selection decisions, but all these reasons still cannot take anything away from the performance of United at the Emirates.

The returning Rio Ferdinand partnered with the towering presence of Nemanja Vidic, flanked by Patrice Evra and Mr. I-Can-Play-Anywhere-And-Score John O'Shea snuffed out every chance that Arsenal looked to create, and one could be forgiven into believing that Arsenal were playing without attackers. How Wenger would have loved the familiar sights of Ljungberg and Pires to stretch that back four. Or Viera to boss the midfield, which is exactly what Carrick, Fletcher and Anderson did. Again, Ferguson's selection proved to be impeccable, with Rooney's defensive instincts nullifying the speedy Walcott and Park's energy (and goal) complimenting Ronaldo's crusade in the midst of the flat-footed Arsenal defence.

The sight of empty seats midway through the second half was a stark contrast to the glorious atmosphere prior to kickoff, though I'll try and be kind and pretend that they were "evacuated" due to the apparent security threat. The Arsenal fans wouldn't have missed much anyway, with their team looking deflated even before United's lightning-quick third. Even Fletcher's (unwarranted) sending off did little to lift their spirits, and the ensuing penalty, though cooly finished, was nothing more than a small consolation.

Some may remember another famous United victory over Arsenal in the 2000/01 season, where a United team boasting the likes of Dwight Yorke and Teddy Sheringham slotted six past a hapless David Seaman. The difference was, though, that Arsenal team of old showed grit, fight, determination, character, spirit. 5-1 down at half time, they still displayed the eagerness to try and salvage some pride, while this morning's broadcast showed the world how much growing up Wenger's boys still have to do.