Man Utd 1-0 Arsenal

6 months ago 30th Apr 10:35

Manchester United took the advantage in their Champions League semi-final with Arsenal thanks to a first half goal from John O'Shea.

While United will be happy to have denied Arsenal that crucial away goal they failed to capitalise on their superior performance. United kept up a high tempo performance throughout, holding Arsenal back for long periods but a great performance from Gunners keeper Manuel Almunia kept United's advantage small.

Almunia was called into action early on when he managed to claw away Wayne Rooney's looping header after just 90 seconds. He then pulled off a double block to keep out Carlos Tevez after a good exchange with O'Shea.

Arsenal failed to clear a corner and Mikael Silvestre deflected Michael Carrick's cross into O' Shea's path whose close range beat Almunia after 18 minutes. Arsenal responded with a low 20 yard shot from Cesc Fabregas but it was easily collected by Edwin van der Sar.

Almunia was the more tested keeper and had to deny Ronaldo from a header after 28 minutes after a great cross from Tevez. Tevez was the first, and only, player to be booked after a first half clash with Almunia.
 
Arsenal came out stronger after the break and almost scored after 62 minutes but Emmanuel Adebayor's volley flew over.

Ronaldo could have doubled United's lead with a strong right-foot shot that hit the cross bar as Almunia stood motionless.

The only disappointment for United came when Rio Ferdinand went off after suffering a suspected broken rib.