6 incidents that define the rivalry between Manchester United and Arsenal

The rivalry between Arsenal and Manchester United has been a fierce one, especially in the Premier League era. At a time when Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United were the best team in England, Arsenal were the team who challenged them for the right to be called the best in the land. The fact that Wenger implemented a smooth, fast passing playing style which was applauded by everyone, added to the rivalry. The matches between the two teams over the years have generated a lot of interest and headlines.Here are 6 incidents that define this traditional rivalry between the two most dominant clubs in the first ten years of the Premier League era:

#1 Manchester United ending Arsenal\'s 49-match unbeaten run

The match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford in October 2004, saw their 49-match unbeaten run come to a stop, as they were defeated 2-0 by the home team. In an emotional game that had a little bit of everything, United opened the scoring through Ruud van Nistelrooy, who converted a hotly disputed penalty. The fact that Van Nistelrooy, who was a key figure in their previous meeting, scored the penalty, also rubbed the Arsenal fans and players the wrong way.

The penalty was awarded for a foul on Wayne Rooney by Sol Campbell, with replays suggesting the United striker had gone down a little easily. Rooney scored the second goal, as United took advantage of the spaces that opened up as Arsenal pushed to get the equaliser.

The aftermath of the match saw Arsene Wenger accuse Rooney of diving, and Campbell refusing to shake his countryman’s hand. Apart from all that, there were also accusations that Arsenal’s Jose Antonio Reyes had been subjected to rough tackles by United.

Following the end of the game, the audience was also informed about the “Battle of the Buffet”, as players of both clubs got involved in the tunnel, where there were reports of food materials (yes!) being thrown at Ferguson by an unidentified Arsenal player (thought to be Cesc Fabreas!)

The fact that their unbeaten run was brought to an end in an ill-tempered match like this made it very difficult for Arsenal fans to digest, and was one of the most important incidents to be part of this rivalry.

#2 Arsenal\'s celebration of Van Nistelrooy\'s penalty miss

This game became rather infamous for the Arsenal players’ conduct following the final whistle as they got ganged-up on Ruud van Nistelrooy and man-handled him. Arsenal skipper Patrick Vieira had been sent-off for trying to kick out at Van Nistelrooy after an initial foul by the Dutchman.

With almost the last kick of the match, United earned a penalty, as Martin Keown bundled over Diego Forlan in the box. The Dutch striker stepped up to take the penalty, but his shot arrowed off the cross-bar, and the referee blew the final whistle.

What happened after that was rather shameful, as Arsenal, in their happiness at not having lost, jumped around Van NIstelrooy, and pushed him around trying to incite a response from him. Although the situation didn’t escalate beyond that, it was a rather sad sight, which United fans still get angry at.

#3 Manchester United winning 4-2 at Highbury

In what was an ill-tempered but exciting match that finished 2-4 to the away side, Manchester United exhibited great courage and gumption to come back twice after conceding a goal.

The game had a lot riding on it, as United had ended Arsenal’s unbeaten streak earlier in the season, and before the game, the Gunners’ captain Patrick Vieira exchanged words with Gary Neville (for his rough tackling on Reyes in the reverse fixture). That led to Manchester United captain Roy Keane taking exception to Vieira’s intimidation, and there was a fierce exchange of opinions in the tunnel, with Keane having to be calmed down by the referee.

Silvestre was sent off for United in the game, but the visitors managed to hold on, and increased their lead! John O’Shea’s exquisite chipped finish is still fresh in the memories of both sets of fans, as the incident is fondly remembered by United fans, while Arsenal fans look back at it with disgust.

#4 Ryan Giggs\' goal in the FA Cup

The 1999 FA Cup semi-final replay between Arsenal and Manchester United saw one of the most iconic individual moments in FA Cup history.

Arsenal were awarded a penalty when Neville fouled Parlour in the 90^th minute, but Bergkamp’s ensuing penalty was saved brilliantly by Schmeichel. With the game going into extra-time, both teams looked to be going for it. When Roy Keane was sent off, reducing United to 10 men, Arsenal looked to have a clear chance at making the finals of the FA Cup.

However, Giggs had something else in mind. He took advantage of an errant pass from Patrick Vieira and went onto score a goal, which is still considered one of the best ever in the competition. From the half-way line, he ran past Dixon and Keown in the Arsenal defense, before slotting an unstoppable shot beyond David Seaman.

What happened after that is something that football fans haven’t been able to forget yet, as Giggs terrorised everyone with his display of chest hair!

#5 Arsenal winning the title at Old Trafford, 2002

The 2002 season saw Arsenal win the Premier League title comfortably from Liverpool, who finished second. The Gunners finished with 87 points, while the Merseysiders were seven points behind at 80. Manchester United were a further three points behind with 77 points, as they ended their campaign in third position.

What made it worse for United was that Arsenal clinched their title at Old Trafford, as the North Londoners won 1-0 thanks to a Sylvain Wiltord goal. Ask any United player or fan, and you will find out how painful it was for the to see Patrick Vieira celebrate while yelling, “Fantastic, Fantastic”.

Although Arsene Wenger’s team were the better side over the course of the season, the fact that they won the league at Old Trafford remains etched in the minds of the United faithful, and is something that added to the rivalry between both clubs.

#6 Robin van Persie\'s transfer to Manchester United

In the summer of 2012, Robin van Persie moved from Arsenal to Manchester United for a price of 24 million pounds. The move came as a shock to both United and Arsenal fans; the United fans were thrilled to see a player of the pedigree of the Dutchman join their club, while the Gooners were angry and disheartened at what they perceived to be a lack of loyalty shown by the striker.

What would have hurt both Arsenal and Arsene Wenger is the fact that Van Persie said that he wanted to move to United in order to win silverware, thus questioning the north London club’s ability to challenge for titles.

The Gunners faithful were expecting more loyalty from him, after they backed him throughout his injury-prone years at the club.