Published: 22 November, 2014
By TOM FOOT at EMIRATES STADIUM

Premier League
ARSENAL 1, MANCHESTER UNITED 2

Wayne Rooney celebrates his killer second

THERE were mutterings of 'Wenger Out' and some low-level booing at the final whistle after a severely depleted Manchester United inflicted a devastating defeat against Arsenal.

With Paddy McNair, Tyler Blackett and Chris Smalling at the back, never in recent times had a United side come to Arsenal looking so there for the taking.

But the visitors' makeshift defence shut the Gunners out, bar a late wonder-goal from Olivier Giroud, largely thanks to a solid performance from United goalkeeper David de Gea.

Arsenal started with a high tempo with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain looking particularly dangerous. His cross found Danny Welbeck early on but the former United man's header flashed over the bar. Jack Wilshere missed a golden chance one-on-one with De Gea, before a nasty crack on the ankle saw him substituted.

After the match, United boss Louis van Gaal said: "In the first 25 minutes we gave the ball away so easily. Fortunately we have a very great goalkeeper. At half time I said 'when we keep the ball and show confidence, we shall create chances'. And we did."

Manchester United came out with the mental edge and on the hour mark took the lead after a powerful shot cum cross from Antonio Valencia deflected in off Kieran Gibbs, who had been floored in a collision with Wojciech Szczesny. 

It was a cruel blow that silenced the stadium and sowed the seeds of doubt among the home fans. 

Arsenal could not beat De Gea and Wayne Rooney effectively ended the match with a dinked finish on 85 minutes. 

Arsenal were woefully exposed on the counter attack withNacho  Monreal left with no chance against Ange; Di Maria and Rooney on the break. 

Giroud scored an extraordinary half volley with his left foot from outside the box. It was the Gunners 23rd shot – but the spoils went to United. 

Giroud returned with a goal – but it was too late

Wenger concluded: "We were not sufficient enough in final third and defensively. De Gea is man of match and that tells the story of the game. I think when we were one nil down we had to be patient and we were not."

He added: "Even if you are disappointed there were a lot of positives." 

Eighth-placed Arsenal are 15 points off leaders Chelsea after 12 games. 

ARSENAL: Szczesny (Martinez 60), Gibbs, Monreal, Mertesacker, Chambers, Arteta, Ramsey, Wilshere (Cazorla), Sanchez, Oxlade-Chamberlain,Welbeck. Subs not used: Martinez
Subs not used: Rosicky, Podolski, Giroud, Cazorla (55), Flamini, Martinez, Bellerin. 
Attendance: 60,074