Parked At The Top: Manchester United 1-0 Arsenal

Manchester United line-up: Van Der Sar, Rafael, Vidic (c), Ferdinand, Evra, Nani, Fletcher, Carrick, Anderson (Giggs, 85'), Park, Rooney
Arsenal line-up: Szczesny, Sagna, Squillaci, Koscielny, Clichy, Rosicky (Fabregas, 64'), Nasri, Song, Wilshere (Van Persie, 64'), Arshavin (Walcott, 77'), Chamakh

The same formation brings Arsenal to their downfall again as Sir Alex Ferguson outwits Arsene Wenger. The surprise line-up choices were seeing Arsenal's third choice keeper Szczesny making his debut whereas Fabregas was only fit enough to make the bench. Fergie's formation change meant that Berbatov was dropped to the bench.

The first half started promisingly for both teams with each team keeping possession nicely. United grew into the game quicker though as Arsenal's tactic was to play rough. United made the early chances but nothing threatened the young Pole, although he did have a few nervy kicks. As United grew in confidence, Arsenal's offence was limited with all the play in front of the United back four. Despite a few overzealous fouls early on, Howard Webb waited until the 43rd minute to brandish the first yellow card of the game. As United kept their foot on the ball they were getting closer with every chance. They finally broke the deadlock four minutes before half-time when a Nani cross was deflected onto the improvising head of Park, who managed to loop it over Szczesny and give United the deserved lead.

Arsenal came out better in the second half but it made them vulnerable to that famous counter-attack. Both teams were throwing punches but nothing was making either keeper work too hard. That was until Anderson was put through by Rooney but Szczesny made himself big to block the shot. Nani was also played through via a counter-attack but his shot blazed over when it should have game over. Arsenal felt fortunate and tried to mount attacks but again there wasn't really anything played behind the defence. The best chance Arsenal had was when Nasri hit a shot outside the box and Van Der Sar nearly parried into the path of Chamakh, who couldn't react fast enough to get a shot away before blocked off by Vidic. United had a great opportunity to put the game to bed after 72 minutes when they were awarded a penalty for handball on Clichy. Rooney stepped up but fired hopelessly over the bar and the score finished 1-0. This puts United back on top with a two point lead over Arsenal and Manchester City, a three point lead over Chelsea with a game in hand over all three. United and Chelsea clash in the big game on Sunday at Stamford Bridge.