Arsenal 2-1 Man Utd: It's a Miracle!

Surely I'm dreaming. I, and to be honest most other reasonable Arsenal supporters, believed that there was no realistic way we could win today. And yet win we did through a performance that will surely be close to the standard required for our team to win something this season. We were classy and we defended decently (high praise for the current side). A thoroughly deserved win this afternoon.

Early on United were having all of the chances and we really didn't create anything until Samir Nasri's cross was headed over the bar by Bendtner. Another cross by Nasri a few minutes later also went begging as this time Bentdter misjudged the flight of the ball and missed it.

But then we finally went ahead. There was certainly an element of luck about it as Man Utd failed to clear effectively and the ball fell to Nasri who fired off a shot with his left foot which was deflected in by Gary Neville (whose mustache is eerily reminiscent of Hitler's I've noticed...). Anyway, it was enough to send us into the dressing room at half-time 1-0 ahead.

Then right after the break we scored again. Denilson was passed the ball in the final third but got into trouble and dribbled it all the way back into defense before passing it and allowing us to build up again. The ball fell to Fabregas who found Nasri perfectly placed wide open on the edge of the penalty area and the Frenchman fired his shot past Van der Sar with ease. It was at that moment that I was sure that we had found our new Pires, and I'm so happy that it's the case.

But even at 2-0 up I wasn't comfortable as I still had memories of Tottenham 4-4 floating back to me. We held on after waves and waves of United attacks before their new right back Rafael scored in the 89th. The referee then signalled six minutes of stoppage time and I was a nervous wreck. How were we supposed to hang on for six minutes?

But the time passed and before I knew it the referee blew his whistle and the match was over. This was truly a testament to Arsene Wenger I believe. We all know the team should never have won today in current form and with the players available, but somehow we pulled it off. I think it's time to give Arsene some much-deserved credit and give him the congratulations for this win: it was superb.

So what does the win really mean? Well, it didn't gain us any points on Liverpool (as they won later in the day) and it only put us two points ahead of Man Utd having played a game more. So as far as the table the win means very little. But as far as in confidence the win has done us a world of good. The team really needed this win and hopefully this, along with the break this week for the first team during the Carling Cup, will give them the confidence and belief to beat Aston Villa next week as we look to end their current bid for the top four.

Until then I and every other gooner will be basking in the glory of this win. Enjoy it now and hopefully it won't be the last big win this season. We're still in the hunt; never lose faith.

Fab 4