Manchester United v Arsenal: Great Games No 1 - Wenger's worst day was gr-eight for Fergie

Old Trafford is called the Theatre of Dreams by United fans. For Arsenal supporters though it has been a cauldron of hell. None more so than last year when United inflicted Arsenal to their heaviest defeat since 1896!

Arsenal have only managed three victories at Old Trafford during the Premier League era - 1998, 2002 and 2006 - and have been on the receiving end of some big defeats, but nothing as bad as this.

Today we turn the spotlight on the greatest game between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford in the Premier League, and it doesn't make for good reading if you are of an Arsenal perspective.

The 2011/12 season will forever be remembered as the season when defending went out of the window and teams simply went all out to attack. On this very day, just hours earlier, Manchester City had demolished Tottenham at White Hart 5-1. Arsenal fans were ecstatic at that result, but the smiles was soon to be wiped off their faces.

The Gunners entered the game with only one point to their name. An away draw at Newcastle was followed by a 2-0 home defeat by Liverpool. But surely a visit to their old rivals would bring them out of their shells, wouldn't it?

United took the lead on 21 minutes as Danny Welbeck got in between two weak Arsenal challenges to head the ball over Szczesny. Anderson created the chance with a measure dink over the top and Djourou and Koscielny just couldn't cope with Welbeck's strength. 1-0.

Arsenal could have got back on level terms four minutes later as Theo Walcott was awarded a penalty. Robin van Persie stepped up to take it but the Dutchman, who ended the season as top scorer, had his weak effort saved by De Gea.

United made them pay for that miss three minutes later with Ashley Young making the most of some poor Arsenal defending to bend a right foot shot straight into the top corner. 2-0.

If the majority inside Old Trafford thought that was special they were in for a treat. Wayne Rooney curled a fantastic free-kick right into the top corner with just five minutes of the half remaining. 3-0.

Arsenal pulled one back just before the break through Theo Walcott. Rosicky spotted the speed merchant in space in the box, played an inch-perfect pass to him and he lashed the ball through De Gea's legs. 3-1.

If any of the visiting fans thought they were going to see one of the game's great comebacks though they were sadly mistaken. The Gunners held out until 15 minutes of the second half before Rooney scored with another blinding free-kick. Szczesny thought he was going to go to his left. Instead Rooney arced one into his right. 4-1.

Three minutes later Rooney was the creator again. The Arsenal defence had properly switched off, leaving Nani in acres of space in the box. With only Szczesny to beat, Nani coolly dinked the ball over the keeper's head to make it 5-1.

It went from bad to worse for Arsenal as Ji-Sung Park then made it six with a left foot shot from the edge of the area. 6-1.

In a crazy game of football, Robin van Persie made amends for his penalty miss by making it United 6 Arsenal 2 with a back post volley. But instead of spurring Arsenal on it just made United more determined to score more.

With nine minutes to go, Wayne Rooney completed his hat-trick from the spot after Theo Walcott was adjudged to have fouled Patrice Evra. Rooney sent Szczesny the wrong way to score his sixth hat-trick for United. 7-2.

But the misery wasn't over for Arsenal just yet. Ashley Young scored a brace with another fine right foot strike. 8-2.

 

The likes of Arshavin and Rosicky were lambasted for their lack of heart, desire and effort, while Wenger complained about being without 10 of his regular players. It was easily Wenger's, and Arsenal's, darkest day in the game. Even though they had a raft of first team regulars missing, Wenger refused to change his philosophy or go for damage limitation. He wanted his troops to play their way. Unfortunately it didn't go their way.

Despite their awful start, Arsenal bounced back and finished third in the league. United missed out on the title to their City rivals on goal difference. I wonder how Arsenal will fare this weekend, especially as their top scorer from last season, RVP, is now at Old Trafford?

Related Articles:

Manchester United v Arsenal: Great Games No 2 - Arsenal win league at Old Trafford

Manchester United v Arsenal: Great Games No 3 - Arsenal hit for six

Manchester United v Arsenal: Great Games No 4 -Overmars sends Arsenal to title glory

Manchester United v Arsenal: Great Games No 5 - Rooney destroys the Invincibles