Stalemate as United and Arsenal play to avoid defeat

Manchester United denied Arsenal a place at the summit of the Premier League as the two teams battled out a goalless draw in North London.

Both sides were seeking redemption after recent setbacks – United’s poor 2014 was epitomised in a disappointing 2-2 draw at Fulham on the weekend, whilst Arsenal were thumped 5-1 by the Scousers at Anfield.

Robin van Persie and Olivier Giroud both squandered opportunities in a pulsating start to the contest, but on the whole the first-half failed to live up to the pre-match billing.

It was a largely organised and determined display from United, who stifled Arsenal’s creativity and proved competitive in the midfield battle. It was a game which both sides seemed determined not to lose but, arguably, lacked the ambition to win.

The second-half produced more entertaining moments – and United’s best chance came on 79 minutes as Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie combined in style but the Dutchman’s header was turned onto the woodwork.

A flurry of Arsenal chances in the closing moments brought the game to life somewhat, with David De Gea doing well to twice deny Spanish midfielder Santi Cazorla, but, for much of this game, a goalless stalemate seemed on the cards.

Arsenal’s disappointment with the result is perhaps an indication as to United’s decline this season, as was MUFC’s apparent willingness to play ‘keep ball’ in the closing seconds rather than seek out a dramatic winning goal.

However, this was a decent point for David Moyes’ men against an Arsenal side who are desperately seeking to end a long-standing silverware hiatus. With the FA Cup dream already over, United now face a break prior to a trip to Crystal Palace.

Full Time – Arsenal 0-0 Manchester United
Attendance – 60,021