Arsenal Vs. Manchester United, 2012 Premier League: Rooney Penalty Appeal Turned Down

That's a waste. Manchester United work hard down their right and Antonio Valencia finds himself clear of the nearby defenders. Instead of driving towards Wojciech Szczesney's goal, the Ecuadorian instead passes back to Ryan Giggs, and although he manages to get a pass off to Wayne Rooney the opportunity is gone, as evidenced by Rooney's rather opportunistic dive when tugged by Alex Song. The England man's penalty appeals are rightly waved off by Mike Dean.

Now there's a another chance for them to waste, coming from the other flank. A mistake by Johan Djourou sees Nani completely in the clear down the left, and the Portuguese drives in on Szczesny's goal and looks certain to at least draw a save from the young Polish goalkeeper. Instead of trying to slip the ball between Szczesny's legs or blast in at the near post, Nani opts for a cute finish into the far corner, which is hit so poorly it doesn't even manage to go out of play.

Arsenal are losing their discipline a little bit here now. Alex Song's lucky to get away with a flying elbow on Rooney and Aaron Ramsey's just been booked for a foul on Giggs. We're getting close to the end of the first half, and it's 0-0. Both teams could be doing much better.