Report: Man. United 1-0 Arsenal
By Randy Osae
Arsenal will have to come back crawling for a berth in Rome after been thoroughly subdued by the champions in first attempt of this semi-final.
Tonight’s succumbing drew similarities to their last visit to that so-called ‘theater of dreams’ – a 4-0 FA Cup mauling – but thanks to Almunia’s almost impervious heroics, the margin of defeat was much, much slenderer.
And for those persistent optimists who had entered Old Trafford fearing worse than John O’Shea’s lone strike, Wenger’s men could be much, much alive.
Former United centreback Mikael Silvestre and teenage leftback Kieran Gibbs both came through late fitness tests to boost the defensive unit, although the opening exchanges hardly inspired confidence in a back four missing both William Gallas and Gael Clichy.
Within two minutes, Darren Fletcher’s cross had given Wayne Rooney the chance to force Manuel Almunia into a fine one-handed save and it quickly became apparent that Arsenal would struggle to cope with the tempo of United’s opening salvoes.
A superb double save from Almunia denied Tevez just after quarter of an hour had elapsed but the resulting corner saw the holders claim the opener that their efforts deserved.
The initial delivery failed to trouble the Arsenal backline but, fatally, Michael Carrick was allowed to pick the ball up beyond the back post and hook it back across goal.
Theo Walcott’s attempt to intercept only served to direct the ball into the path of O’Shea and the Ireland defender finished with the aplomb of a seasoned striker, hitting a half-volley into the roof of the net.
Still reeling from that setback, Arsenal were fortunate not to concede a second when Cristiano Ronaldo headed an inviting cross from Tevez straight at Almunia.
But as the first half came to a close, the visitors began to string a few passes together although there were no clear chances to show for their attractive build-up and Almunia had to be quickly off his line to deny Ronaldo after a slipshod passback by Gibbs.
With United’s energy levels slipping, chances were thinner on the ground after the interval, but the hosts were still unfortunate not to double their lead with just over 20 minutes left after a piece of brilliance from Ronaldo.
Picking up a loose ball just inside the Gunners’ half, the Portuguese winger advanced to within 30 yards of the goal before unleashing a wickedly dipping drive that left Almunia completely stranded but clattered against the bar.
By that stage, Giggs had entered the fray and the frustration of the evening for United was summed up by the fact that only a fractional offside decision prevented the veteran Welsh winger from marking his landmark appearance with a goal.
Soon, it was over, and all Wenger’s men could say was; it could have been worse.
Of course, it can be a whole lot better next Tuesday.