Trips to Old Trafford are always tough for Arsenal and this one proved no difference as they had to rely on a late header from Olivier Giroud to rescue a 1-1 draw.
Wenger has not won at Old Trafford in the league since September 2006 and this was a hoodoo fans had been hoping could finally end, but it wasn't to be.
Before the game I'd have taken a point from what is always a hard encounter, but the manner of the performance seems to have disappointed many and that's why the result is more frustrating. Had we played better and got the point I think Gunners' fans would be feeling more upbeat. It wasn't what we wanted, but a draw isn't too bad. At the time of writing this we are currently two points behind leaders Liverpool so all is not lost, but a big improvement is certainly needed.
Juan Mata sent an early free-kick wide for the hosts, while Arsenal also created some decent early chances, although they were unable to make the most of them. Alexis Sanchez saw his long-range strike deflect over before the Chilean sent a header back across goal.
Francis Coquelin and Ander Herrera both volleyed off target before the referee, Andre Marriner, had two big calls to make. Manchester United and their manager Jose Mourinho were unhappy not to have been awarded a penalty when Nacho Monreal appeared to fall across Antonio Valenica. Even if they were perhaps hard done by, I think the decisions got evened out. Before that incident Manchester United defender Matteo Darmian, who had already been booked, committed another foul on Carl Jenksinon so maybe he was lucky to be on the pitch? It would have been soft, but it was a foul and he had already been booked, so the two decisions cancel each other out perhaps.
Arsenal were indebted to their goalkeeper Petr Cech to ensure the score remained goalless going in at the break. Cech got a hand to Mata's effort to parry it wide before producing another fine save to tip over Martial's strike. Martial tried his luck again before half-time, but sent his next shot straight at Cech.
Cech denied Martial again early in the second half, but the hosts were not to be denied as they took the lead after 68 minutes. Paul Pogba slid the ball through to Herrera and the midfielder's excellent cutback was fired home by Mata.
Manchester United came close to doubling their advantage when Daley Blind's cross was headed wide by Marcus Rojo.
It wasn't looking too good for Arsenal until two substitutes combined to rescue a point for the Gunners in the final minute of normal time. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain beat his man and powered down the wing before crossing for Giroud to power in a header.
OPPOSITION VIEW
Manchester United fan Mark Hainsworth was encouraged by the performance more than the result at Old Trafford.
"Clearly an opinion piece written after an 89th minute equaliser is going to differ from one that might be written in the 88th minute, but this was an encouraging United performance, but very disappointing result that leaves us losing touch with the leading pack," said Hainsworth.
"That well known pressing defensive midfielder and hard-man Jamie Redknapp has been critical of the 19-year-old striker Marcus Rashford’s full-back skills, but to single him out is unfair. There is always a reason for conceding a goal, but sometimes you've got to simply accept an opponents' good play.
"Going forward I do feel there are signs that the team is coming to terms with Mourinho’s way of playing. Defensively, despite a makeshift feel of the back four, the team look pretty solid and going forward, at times, they looked dangerous particularly when upping the tempo and playing like a Manchester United team.
"Attack! Attack! Attack! Is expected from United and it was good to see this week."
FINAL THOUGHTS
Whether this is considered a point gained or two points dropped, we must quickly move on and focus our attentions to the Champions League and the top-of-the-table decider with PSG.
Home advantage could prove key, but we will need to put in a much-improved performance if we are to get the vital win.
The next league game sees Bournemouth visit the Emirates and nothing other than a win will do if we are serious about wanting to be in the title race this season!
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
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