Own goal rescues Gunners

A late own goal from Tyler Blackett ensured Arsenal kept hold of third place following their 1-1 draw at Manchester United.

Ander Herrera put the hosts in front on the half hour mark before substitute Theo Walcott spared the Gunners' blushes as his effort went in via a deflection off Blackett nine minutes from time. Some reports credit Walcott for the equaliser, while others put it down as a Blackett own goal. Either way it prevented Arsenal from dropping down to the all too familiar spot of fourth.

Manchester United controlled large spells of the game and, had they won the game, would have fully deserved the points. Although Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina didn't get tested on too many occasions the hosts kept the ball excellently as the visitors struggled at times to even get the ball. Arsenal, on the other hand, were very below par and couldn't even muster a shot in the opening 45 minutes. Arsene Wenger's men did improve after the break but didn't really get going until the final 15 minutes and had to rely on a slice of luck to get a share of the spoils at Old Trafford.

Both sides have secured Champions League football for next season, with the late leveller meaning Arsenal are likely to avoid having to play a two-legged qualifying play-off. Arsenal can secure third spot with victory over Sunderland in their penultimate fixture, while a six-point haul and a slip-up from Manchester City means second is still a slim possibility for the Gunners.

After success on their last visit to Old Trafford - victory in the FA Cup back in March - fans could've been forgiven for expecting the visitors to be fired up for this fixture. Instead, the Gunners put in a very sluggish first-half display, which was arguably one of their worst of the season and it was painful viewing. Manchester United deserve a lot of credit for how they kept the ball and frustrated their opponents but Arsenal really should have played much better than they did.

Falcao and Chris Smalling both saw their efforts blocked in the early stages before Juan Mata's free-kick was saved by Ospina. At the other end Arsenal wasted a half chance as Phil Jones did just about enough to get his head to the ball and put Olivier Giroud off his stride.

Manchester United broke the deadlock when Ashley Young crossed for Herrera to ghost in and volley the ball beyond Ospina for a much-deserved goal. It was the first time Arsenal had conceded a first-half goal in the league since New Year's Day on what was proving to be a very disappointing day for the visitors.

Herrera tried to add a second but sent his next effort wide as the score remained at 1-0 going in at the break.

Manchester United still looked in control in the early stages of the second half but both Young and Marcos Rojo sent their efforts straight at Ospina.

Arsenal were struggling to get into the game but really should have levelled the scores shortly after the hour mark. A great turn from Giroud put the striker in a great position inside the box but his tame effort was saved by the legs of David De Gea, who was later taken off injured.

The Gunners had a penalty appeal waved away after Giroud appeared to be tugged back in the box by Smalling before fine defending by Rojo kept the hosts in front. A fine pass from Alexis Sanchez set up Aaron Ramsey, who lofted the ball over De Gea but Rojo reacted superbly to clear the ball before the Welsh midfielder was able to pull the trigger.

Manchester United were forced into a change 16 minutes from time when De Gea was forced off in what could have been his last appearance for the club as speculation continues over his future. The Spanish shot-stopper, who has been one of United's top performers in recent seasons, has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid and it remains to be seen whether he will stay in the Premier League.

Victor Valdes, who joined United from Barcelona in January, came on for his debut and within just eight minutes he was picking the ball out of the net. Walcott latched onto a delightful pass from Ramsey before taking the ball down in the box and drilling an effort across goal. Walcott's strike took a touch off Blackett to wrong foot Valdes and go into the far corner of the net.

The goal appeared to awaken the visitors and Arsenal very nearly snatched a dramatic winner soon after, only for Giroud to send his effort into the side netting.

Former Gunner Robin Van Persie also tried to stamp his mark on the game but he blazed over in the closing minutes while, at the other end, Sanchez saw his effort comfortably saved by Valdes.

Before the match I would have taken a point in what was always going to be a tough encounter at Old Trafford. Although we still came away with a point the manner of the performance left me feeling very disappointed. There weren't too many positives for Arsenal, although Francis Coquelin once again put in an intelligent display to help avoid the score being much worse.

At least the late goal meant that Manchester United did not leapfrog us in the table but we appear to have dipped in recent matches. It wasn't all that long ago when it seemed we would likely finish second but now third looks the more likely finish with just two league games left to play. Whether we finish second, third or fourth it means the same thing in terms of the Premier League - no silverware. To ensure we compete more seriously for the title next season we need to add two or three top quality additions over the summer but, for now, we must focus on the remaining games.

We return to action with a home game against Sunderland, who are scrapping for Premier League survival at the other end of the table. That could make it a tough encounter but, especially with home advantage, we really should be winning that kind of game with no problem and big improvements on our Old Trafford display should be expected.

We also need to ensure we build up confidence and morale in the coming weeks before we face Aston Villa in the FA Cup Final at the end of the month so am hoping we play Sunderland looking for nothing other than a big win.

COME ON YOU GUNNERS