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5 classic Manchester United vs Arsenal matches defined the rivalry

By Tushar Bahl

CARDIFF, WALES - MAY 21: Roy Keane of Manchester United clashes with Patrick Vieira of Arsenal during the FA Cup Final match between Arsenal and Manchester United at the Millennium Stadium on May 21 2005 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by John Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)
CARDIFF, WALES - MAY 21: Roy Keane of Manchester United clashes with Patrick Vieira of Arsenal during the FA Cup Final match between Arsenal and Manchester United at the Millennium Stadium on May 21 2005 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by John Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images) /
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LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM: Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney (L) celebrates his team’s victory over Arsenal with teammates Roy Keane (2nd L) Rio Ferdidnand (C), Louis Saha (2nd R) and John O’Shea during their Premiership football match at Highbury in London 01 February, 2005. Manchester United won 4-2. AFP PHOTO/JIM WATSON NO TELCOS, WEBSITES SUBJECT TO SUBCRIPTION OF LICENCE WITH FAPL AT WWW.FAPLWEB.COM (Photo credit should read JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images)
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM: Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney (L) celebrates his team’s victory over Arsenal with teammates Roy Keane (2nd L) Rio Ferdidnand (C), Louis Saha (2nd R) and John O’Shea during their Premiership football match at Highbury in London 01 February, 2005. Manchester United won 4-2. AFP PHOTO/JIM WATSON NO TELCOS, WEBSITES SUBJECT TO SUBCRIPTION OF LICENCE WITH FAPL AT WWW.FAPLWEB.COM (Photo credit should read JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images) /

3. Arsenal 2-4 Manchester United (01st February, 2005)

The reverse fixture in the 2004-05 season came to life even before the players had made it to the pitch. Patrick Vieira allegedly picked on Gary Neville, which led to Roy Keane storming down the tunnel to confront the Frenchman. Keane told Viera “I will see you out there”, which ended with referee Graham Poll stepping in. The players refused to shake hands which set the tone for the game.

Crunching tackles and fiery duels created an atmosphere filled with great tension at the Highbury stadium. Mikael Silvestre was sent off for a vicious headbutt on Freddie Ljungberg. The home crowd went wild when Patrick Vieira gave the Gunners the lead. The Red Devils drew level thanks to Ryan Giggs. But Arsenal went into half-time ahead thanks to Dennis Bergkamp’s goal.

The game was turned on its head in the second half, as Cristiano Ronaldo netted twice in two minutes for the away side, but then Silvestre’s sending off gave Arsenal hope of a comeback.

However, United sealed the victory late on as John O’Shea lobbed the ball into the back of the net over a stunned Manuel Almunia giving United a memorable win.

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