Manchester United earn a vital win

Wayne Rooney’s expression after scoring the second goal in the 85^th minute said it all. What a win it was for Manchester United. It’s a win that did not deserve but the win they needed. The 2-1 narrow win over Arsenal might just turn out to be the turning point that Louis Van Gaal and his men have been looking for after a disastrous opening to the session.

The packed Emirates stadium was at its best when the match started. Arsenal in front of their home crowd made a great start as they pressed forward with intent and looked dangerous in the attacking third. But they failed to open the deadlock as they failed to get past United keeper David De Gea. De Gea made couple of excellent saves from Jack Wilshere and Alexis Sanchez besides some easier ones to keep the scoreline at 0-0 at the half time.

It was a pity that Arsenal failed to score in the first half and the inevitable happened. Manchester United was slowly coming back into the match towards the first half. And it was in the 56^th minute that Arsenal was dealt with a huge blow. United hit them on the counter attack. Once the initial storm was weathered away, a wayward drive from the right by Antonio Valencia took a deflection off Kieran Gibbs and found the back of the net. 1-0 for United. Arsenal in quest of the equalizer sent men upfront leaving big holes in the defense. It could have easily 2-0 in the 60^th minute but for the linesman’s dubious decision of an off-side that kept arsenal in the game.

Photo: Reuters

Meanwhile, Jack Wilshere and Schezny had to be replaced due to injury. It was in the 85^th minute that United broke away from the constant Arsenal pressure and Wayne Rooney made no mistake to make it 2-0 from one-on-one position with substitute keeper Martinez. Arsenal kept the pressure on as the home fans booed the home team. Oliver Giroud’s 95^th minute belter came as a consolation for the Gunners as they lost for the first time in their home ground this season.

With this win United suddenly find themselves back in the top four, the place where they belong to. But amidst all this, Luke Shaw’s injury will surely give Van Gaal few sleepless nights for it was United’s 44^th injury of the season. However it was a win that the United fans will cheer. But one question will surely disturb the United fans- Is it the real new beginning or is it one of those false storms that had come and faded away. Well for that we have to wait and watch. Till then it’s time for the United fans to sit back and cherish.

• About the Author

About Argha Ghosh

An ardent follower of sports and die-hard Manchester United fan, Argha's ultimate dream is to watch a Manchester derby from the Stretford End at the Old Trafford.