Before the match, everyone and their dog was writing off Arsenal as a competitive force, at least right now. Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri and Gael Clichy gone? Jack Wilshere injured? Gervinho suspended? Pfft, they said. No chance.
Manchester United Vs. Arsenal: 3-1 United At Halftime
And they were totally right. Despite conceding Arsenal's first goal of the season, United are in complete and utter control of this game, scoring three goals in the first half and absolutely demolishing their hapless opponents whenever they march forwards. Danny Welbeck got things started with a neat header after fighting through the heart of the Arsenal defence, and after David de Gea saved from a Robin van Persie penalty - his first touch of the game, more or less - Ashley Young doubled United's lead with a superb curling strike from well outside the area.
After the blow of losing Welbeck to a hamstring injury, Wayne Rooney made things 3-0 with a well-taken free kick, but in the third minute of injury time a very strange clearance by United left Theo Walcott one on one against de Gea from a tight angle, whereupon the Spanish goalkeeper undid much of his good work in saving the earlier penalty by letting the ball trickle straight past him and into the back of the net.
It was an annoying goal to concede, no doubt... but it’s still 3-1 at half time, and Arsenal have virtually no hope of getting back into the match.
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