Monday 22nd January 2007
Arsenal 2 - 1 Manchester United
“Manchester United were ten minutes away from the title – that can’t be said now,” describes Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger after his team demolished Manchester United’s 53 minute lead at the Emirates deep into injury time.
Serious money could have been made from betting in running, by backing Arsenal to pull level or win the match late in the day - as their 'late, late show' continued.
A composed header from Thierry Henry in the 93rd minutes secured the three points for Arsenal, keeping them in contention with the top three and opened up the title race.
Henry gracefully leapt to meet Emmanuel Eboue inch perfect cross to head firmly past an exposed Edwin Van Der Sar causing The Emirates to explode in celebration.
Ten minutes prior, substitute Robin Van Persie, cancelled out the visitor’s lead. Van Persie was left out of the starting eleven after tending an injury all week. Emmanuel Adebayor filled his boots partnering captain Henry up front; looking to knock another passed their rivals as he did during this season’s previous meeting at Old Trafford.
Van Persie entered into the game in the 66 minute, joining a then somewhat downcast Arsenal side whose heads seemed to have dropped following Wayne Rooney’s diving header.
Arsenal’s top goal scorer added to his impressive tally in emphatic style. A delightful back heel from the visionary Thierry Henry, set up after a dogged tussle between Tomas Rosicky and Nemanja Vidic. The equaliser regenerating both the team and the fans, although it later transpired he has broken the fifth metatarsal in his right foot.
Manchester United had started impressively, playing energetic football, dominating the early play and retaining 84% of possession in the opening five minutes. A series of attempts including a well-worked shot from Ryan Giggs, demonstrated the visitors intent. All, though, unchallenged Lehmann.
But in a first half where neither keeper was really challenged, a third draw in the last five encounters looked inevitable.
However, an inspired link up between Cristiano Ronaldo and Patrice Evra down the left wing dismissed such a thought early in the second half to set up the opener.
Rooney launched himself on to Evra’s cross after being spotted arriving at the far post. Despite being unmarked and Lehmann exposed, the acute angle made scoring difficult. Rooney though remained focused and cleanly nodded home, something he was yet to have done for Manchester United.
The lead lasted near to 30 minutes and with each minute that passed; United’s grip on the Premiership trophy seemed to tighten. Conceding the lead postponed the celebration slightly but losing the game launches the title race into exciting territory.
Although still six points clear of Chelsea, the Arsenal and Liverpool revival of late is nothing short than remarkable. Football betting odds for the Premiership title, still have Manchester Utd as 1/2 favourites and Chelsea at around 15/8 - but many might be tempted to take a small punt on Liverpool or Arsenal at around 33/1. We might be in for a final fourteen game frenzy.
Teams
Arsenal: Lehmann, Eboue, Toure, Senderos, Clichy, Hleb (Van Persie 66), Fabregas, Flamini (Baptista 79), Rosicky, Adebayor, Henry
Manchester United: Van Der Sar, Neville, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Ronaldo, Scholes, Carrick, Giggs, Rooney, Larsson (Saha 80)
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