It doesn't matter why Wenger chose to play the 4-5-1 formation at Old Trafford. It was a fantastic result and one widely mooted as a significant turning point in the Gunner's season.
But to be honest I hoped it was a tactical move and that our success away from home in the Champion's League had been taken on board. We must concede that it was as a result of injury to Henry and van Persie that the formation was chosen, but things happen for strange reasons.
Thank God they did.
Kuszczak started in goal and his first real contributuon was to fell Adebayor as he raced across the penalty area onto a neat pass from Hleb. Gilberto stepped up confidently to take the spot kick, but his left foot slipped 'a la David Beckham' and he shot weakly at the keeper.
But Arsenal responded well to the penalty miss. Their pressure continued and from a corner Adebayor's header was pushed onto the post by Kuzczsak and saved off the line by Scholes.
United's best chance of the day came when a cross evaded a leaping Eboue at the far post. It fell perfectly for Ronaldo who subsequently drilled the ball straight into Lehmann's face and the ball bounced clear.
Late in the half Neville denied Ljungberg at the far post. The Gunners were the dominant side in the first 45 minutes and were unlucky to go in level at half time.
Arsenal started the second half well with chances falling for Adebayor and Gallas, but the deadlock was still not broken. Saha nodded a header just wide of Lehmann before Adebayor raced clear only to side foot the ball straight at the grateful keeper.
In the last twenty minutes it seemed as though United would be satisfied with a point, whilst the Gunners pushed on for the win. Toure shot wide from 30 yards and then Baptista bamboozled Ferdinand to zip a shot just wide.
Four minutes from time Ronaldo lost the ball to Fabregas. Cesc dribbled towards goal before poking a pass through to Adebayor, who held off Brown to score.
When Solksjaer forced a magnificent save from Lehmann late on, our hearts were in our mouths. A draw really would have been unfair for Arsenal who dominated the game and for the first time this season, they got what they deserved.
Good Stuff: Gilberto and Fabregas were industrious in midfield.
Bad Stuff: Missed penalties drive me crazy. Perhaps a better striker of the ball should have stepped up? I was thinking of Rosicky or Adebayor.
Noticeable: Excellent work ethic and self belief.
Star Man: Adebayor worked tirelessly up front all on his own.
| Manchester United | Stat | Arsenal |
| 9 | Shots on Target | 7 |
| 10 | Shots off target | 7 |
| 10 | Corners | 5 |
| 4 | Offsides | 4 |
| 11 | Fouls | 11 |
| 2 | Yellow Cards | 2 |
| 0 | Red Cards | 0 |
| 50% | Possession | 50% |
Arsenal (4-5-1): Lehmann, Eboue, Toure, Djourou, Gallas, Hleb (Baptista 68), Gilberto, Rosicky, Fabregas, Ljungberg, Adebayor (Flamini 84). Unused subs: Almunia, Hoyte, Walcott.
Man Utd (4-4-2): Kuszczak, Brown, Ferdinand, Neville, O'Shea, Silvestre (Evra 23), Fletcher, Ronaldo, Scholes (Carrick 78), Rooney (Solskjaer 77), Saha. Unused subs: Heaton, Johnson.
Attendance: 75,595
