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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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Manchester United’s English striker Wayne Rooney (3rd L) celebrates with team-mates after scoring during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford in Manchester, north-west England on August 28, 2011. Manchester United won the game 8-2. AFP PHOTO/ANDREW YATES
Manchester United’s English striker Wayne Rooney (3rd L) celebrates with team-mates after scoring during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford in Manchester, north-west England on August 28, 2011. Manchester United won the game 8-2. AFP PHOTO/ANDREW YATES /

1. Manchester United 8-2 Arsenal (28th August, 2011)

Having lost Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, Arsenal went to Old Trafford filled with frustrations and uncertainty. And United inflicted further humiliation on embattled manager Arsene Wenger with a rampant 8-2 win at Old Trafford.

The defending Premier League champions cruised to a 3-1 lead at half-time. Danny Welbeck, Ashley Young and Wayne Rooney scored for the hosts, while Robin van Persie missed a penalty against his future employers. Theo Walcott restored some parity for Arsenal going into half-time.

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But United weren’t to be stopped as they added 5 second half goals to give Arsenal their worst defeat in a 116 years. Wayne Rooney scored a hat-trick, while Ashley Young scored twice. Park Ji-Sung and Nani also scored in the second-half, as Arsenal had Carl Jenkinson sent-off. Robin van Persie scored a consolation goal for Arsenal in the second half.

Wenger and Arsenal were given a football lesson by United, who were ruthless and unstoppable. United didn’t have much joy at the end of the season though, as they lost out on the title on goal difference to rivals Manchester City. While Arsenal finished third ahead of neighbors Tottenham.

Whatever happens on Saturday, these two sides will always be two great rivals. And with the title race so tight, neither team can afford a slip-up.

Let us know which match you think deserves top billing in the comments field below. You certainly have a lot of captivating fixtures to choose from.

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