Ji-Sung Park

On Manday night Ji-Sung Park proved why he is worthy of a top notch European team as his off- balanced header proved to be the decisive goal in the Manchester United and Arsenal encounter. Manchester were looking dangerous from kick off but couldnt change the scoreboard untill 21 minutes. Nani’s fast cross which was intended at the far post was connected superbly by Park who changed his body position at the last moment to lob a header past debutant goal-keeper Wojciech Szczesny.

United were on the front foot throughout the match with solidity in defence and sharp intellegent short passes upfront- typical Manchester United. Darren Fletcher’s half cleared ball fell to Nani who blasted a bullet down the left but his attempt was just a few inches wide of the target. Wayne Rooney’s presence arguably makes a big difference in United’s approach and sting upfront.

Arsenal looked like Arsenal in the period of 50-55 minutes when they played like the Gunners but couldnt breach the flawless United defence. Denielson was replaced by Jack Wilshire in mid-feild as the later is more inventive and vigilant. The replacement came in cause when Wilshire worked the ball up-right for Bacaray Sagna whose deep dangerous cross was too good for United’s defence but no one from Arsenal capitalized on the golden opportunity.

Gael Clichy got off balanced in one of United’s numerous attacks as landed his hand on the ball giving the Red Devils a chance to double their lead from the spot kick. Wayne Rooney stepped up and went for sheer power but his shot flew the ball high over the cross bar, Rooney is yet to score a goal after his problems with the manager and his ankle.

The win takes United 2 points above Arsenal with a game still in hand. Manchester are looking in sizzling form and are unbeaten so far in the league. Their next test comes this weekend when they face Chelsea – the defending champions.

Tags: Arsenal, Chelsea, English Premier League, EPL, Football, Ji Sung Park, Manchester United