Nemanja Vidic and Sol Campbell both pulled out before the match with respective fitness problems. As the teams came out the tunnel the atmosphere exploded - the start of the game swung back and forth in favour of both; United & Arsenal looking identical to each other. That was until the 33rd minute, when Luis Nani showed true magic...

He was down the right wing, and somehow managed to flick the ball past two Arsenal defenders - in the box he bet yet another defender and chipped it past helpless goalie, Emmanuel Almunia, who could only put in in his own net !

After the first goal, The Reds looked 'galvanised' and somehow scored another just 3 minutes later...

Rooney passed the ball to Nani deep inside United's half - the pass beating 5 Arsenal players - Nani used his pace to beat another few defender down the centre, Rooney then sprinted into the box - receiving the ball from Nani to score his 100th Premier League goal !

There was brief spells in the second half when The Gunners looked like they might mount a comeback - but United just caught them out on the break.

Arshavin went close a few times - but none of which were on-target. Wayne Rooney then had a wonderful curling shot palmed away by Almunia, the shot would of been 'goal of the season' as it was heading for the famous top right corner.

It was Park who reopened the scoring after the break. Carrick picked him out with a nice long-ball - the Korean had it all to do, but did it all; he raced down the left, beating numerous Arsenal stars. Rooney and Nani were in the box looking for the pass, but Park went on his own and slotted the ball into the bottom left corner - a deserved goal for an outstanding player.   

It had taken The Reds just 51 minutes to notch all three goals. However, Arsenal didn't give up - they went about scoring - but it was all to late.

Thomas Vermaelen scored a consolation for The Gunners, he got his head on a cross in the 79th minute - but it just added salt to the wound for Arsenal on-lookers...

Arsenal now have it all to do to get themselves a respectable position the The Premier League - they play Chelsea next Sunday - and Sir Alex sent out a strong message to the Emirates crew: 'I hope Arsenal batter Chelsea next Sunday, batter them !'

United have the week off, and face a less daunting side at Old Trafford on Saturday - they host Portsmouth, who are currently in pieces...