Manchester United Vs. Arsenal FC, FA Cup: Samir Nasri Nearly Equalises, Forces Fine Save

Arsenal still aren't creating great goalscoring chances as the half draws to a close, but they're certainly coming close than they were before Fabio da Silva opened up the scoring for Manchester United. The United defence is stretching to cut out the Gunners' passing moves now, and if the pressure continues they're unlikely to be able to hold out. However, with the visitors committing so many bodies forwards, counterattacking football is becoming increasingly attractive for United, and they're using the hard work and speed of the da Silva twins to very good effect on the break.

Just before the first 45 concluded, Samir Nasri nearly levelled matters for more or less nothing. The winger picked the ball up on the left and moved into the area, but with absolutely no Arsenal players free and more than half a dozen red shirts in the box, he had very little on. So instead of passing, Nasri stung a snapshot towards Edwin van der Sar's near post - the Dutch goalkeeper reacted a little slowly, surprised, but managed to get down to make the save in the end. Close call, though.