Why the massive win over Arsenal will kickstart Man United’s title charge

Manchester United’s victory over Arsenal on Sunday afternoon was about far more than just three points. While the away side will still be content with their position at the top of the table and successive victories over Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund, there was a very real chance that a United defeat would have left the reigning champions out of the title race in November.

While it is not unprecedented for an eleven point deficit to be overturned with so much football left to play, the sheer number of teams between United and the top spot combined with the understandable effect of losing Sir Alex Ferguson after 27 years in charge would have made retaining the title virtually impossible.

While the result should not be seen as seismic in terms of Arsenal’s aspirations, for United it could prove absolutely crucial. Having been defeated by Manchester City and Liverpool in the league away from home already this season, and played out a disappointing stalemate at home to Chelsea, David Moyes’ side were in desperate need of a win over a big side. The atmosphere inside Old Trafford, so often subdued since the departure of Ferguson, was raucous from the off. No doubt Sunderland’s win over City minutes before kick-off played a part, but so did the team’s improved level of performance.

The players seem finally to be coming round to the approach of their new manager. Somewhat surprisingly, given their slow start, United go into the international break as the league’s form team. While the home team were happy to let Arsenal dominate possession, they did actually have a 75% pass completion rate.

The visitors had more of the ball than any other of United’s opponents this campaign but they were unable to penetrate the defence. David De Gea hardly had to make a save of note and this is testament to a display of defensive solidity from Chris Smalling all the way up to Wayne Rooney.

Phil Jones was imperious in the centre of midfield in the first half and ensured Arsenal’s creativity was effectively stifled while Rooney and Robin van Persie, a duo many felt would struggle to play together due to their tendency to occupy similar positions, look to be developing a genuine strike partnership. It was no surprise to see Van Persie score the winner from Rooney’s cross, and it is a combination Moyes will hope continues to bear fruit in the coming months.

While Tom Cleverley and Marouane Fellaini continue to disappoint in midfield, Sunday offered some reasons to be cheerful for the United fans. Despite their worst start to the season in the Premier League era, the team sit in fifth place in the table, just three points behind Liverpool in second. Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea are just a point clear of Moyes’ side, while Tottenham and Manchester City, despite spending heavily in recent years, are in seventh and eighth respectively.

In a sense, it is fortunate that the Old Trafford club are going through a period of transition while so many other top teams are also struggling. In a different season, a good side could already be in a commanding position at the top of the table by this stage. Instead, unbeaten in nine games and buoyed by inflicting defeat on the league leaders, this could just prove to be a turning point for United.