Manchester United vs Arsenal: Fierce rivals' 5 memorable matches

The Manchester United vs Arsenal fixture is one of the Premier League fixtures where players throw everything on the line for the crest on their jersey. A war where the players accept nothing but victory. The rivalry was at its peak from 1997 to 2005, but the fixture still has that excitement factor that grips fans to date. Here are 5 most memorable matches played by the two EPL giants.

Also Read | Premier League: Everton vs Manchester City predicted starting line-up

EPL: Manchester United vs Arsenal 5 Memorable Matches

Also Read | Premier League: Manchester United vs Arsenal Top five best goals

Manchester United 0-0 Arsenal  (2003)

The cause of this huge battle was a retaliatory kick from Patrick Vieira on the Dutchman which resulted in a second yellow. This whole thing led to a mass brawl. Rudd Van Nistelrooy later took a tumble in the Gunners' penalty area to win a spot-kick which he missed. Martin Keown was later banned for three games and received a fine for his tantrum. Roy Keane, Ray Parlour, Vieira, and Ashley Cole were fined as well.

"We could have paid for a new roof at the FA for the amount we paid in fines over that incident," grumbled Keown.

Arsenal 0-0 Manchester United (2005)

United had ended Arsenal’s record-breaking 49-game unbeaten league run the previous October. The Red Devils actually dominated for a while and Arsenal had the goal frame to thank for denying both shots by Wayne Rooney and Van Nistelrooy. The Gunners were reduced to 10 men when Jose Antonio Reyes was sent off towards the end of extra-time. In the first FA Cup final to be decided on penalties, Scholes was the only one to miss from the spot, with Arsenal captain Vieira slotting home the winner.

Also Read | Man Utd and Arsenal: 5 players that have featured for both teams

Manchester United 2-0 Arsenal (2004)

After 49 games the ‘Invincibles’ finally tasted their first defeat as they lost to their rivals. A goal each from van Nistelrooy, who salvaged his pride after scoring a penalty, and teenaged Wayne Rooney ended the longest unbeaten run in English football. There was a brawl brewing up both on and off the pitch as Sol Campbell refused to shake Rooney’s hand after the game. This match was a proper Arsenal-United game where the rivalry went on beyond the Old Trafford pitch.

Arsenal 3-1 Manchester United (2001)

Arsenal capitalised on their chances as they defeated the defending champions Manchester United 3-1. United had first taken the lead thanks to a goal from Paul Scholes. However, Arsenal completely outclassed the United side as they came from a goal down to thump their illustrious visitors. Fabien Barthez’s catastrophic goalkeeping helped Arsenal’s cause. But nothing can be taken away from the Gunners who just blew aside Fergie’s boys on that day. A goal by Thierry Henry sealed the match and league for Wenger’s boys.

Also Read | EPL: Chelsea vs Brighton predicted starting line-up, player updates

Arsenal 1-3 Manchester United (2009)

Cristiano Ronaldo tormented a hopeful Arsenal side in semi-finals of UEFA Champions League with a brace in the return leg at the Emirates. Arsenal was decimated by the sheer pace on the counter-attack that was displayed by Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo, Ji-Sung Park, and Wayne Rooney. The third goal scored by United was a perfect counter-attacking goal as the Red Devils simply blew the Arsenal defense away by scoring a goal in just 30 seconds. Arsenal lost the tie 4-1 on aggregate as Manchester United romped to their second consecutive Champions League final, only to be defeated by Spanish giants Barcelona.