[Player Ratings] Man Utd 1-0 Arsenal: How The Players Rated As United Close The Gap

Manchester United dragged themselves back into the title race with a 1-0 win over league leaders Arsenal.

Robin van Persie was the match-winner again, scoring against his former side for the third time in three games with a first half header. Arsenal dominated the second half but couldn’t find a way through and now sit top by two points with the Red Devils now just five points off the pace.

Here are the player ratings:

Manchester United

De Gea 7/10

Didn’t really have too much to do but did everything asked of him well.

Smalling 7/10

Solid display by the defender and was even a threat in attack.

Evra 6.5/10

Did his part to keep Arsenal at arms length but was asked a few questions by Sagna and Gnabry in the second half.

Evans 7/10

Another impressive display by the Northern Irishman.

Vidic 7/10

The Serb did well to contain Olivier Giroud before being taken to hospital following a nasty knock to the face.

Carrick 7/10

Did a decent job to try and break up Arsenal’s passing game, especially in the first half.

Jones 7.5/10

Strong in midfield before reverting to centre-back in the second half and was equally impressive.

Valencia 6/10

Failed to really have any real impact on the game.

Kagawa 6.5/10

Linked up well with Rooney and Van Persie well at times, particularly in the first half.

Rooney 8.5/10

Superb display. Didn’t stop running all afternoon and chased down every ball. Assisted for the goal. MOTM.

van Persie – 7.5/10

Lovely header won it and his hold-up play was vital to United today.

Subs

Tom Cleverley (6), Giggs (6), Fellaini (N/A)

Arsenal

Szczesny 7/10

Had no chance with the goal but was otherwise solid.

Sagna 8/10

Arsenal’s best performer and sent in a few excellent crosses that troubled the hosts defence.

Gibbs 7/10

Kept Valencia pretty quiet but wasn’t a threat going forward.

Vermaelen 6.5/10

Did reasonably well on his return to the team but was unable to inspire his troops to victory.

Koscielny 6.5/10

Was given a bit of a tough time by RVP and Rooney but restricted them to few chances at goal.

Arteta 6/10

Passing was off in the first half. The midfielder improved after the break as the visitors pushed for an equaliser.

Flamini 6/10

Struggled to win the midfield battle and was eventually sacrificed as Wenger went for a more attacking option in Wilshere.

Ramsey 5.5/10

A rare off-day from the Welshman. Struggled on the right bur improved when he reverted to the centre in the second half.

Cazorla 5/10

Very disappointing display from the Spaniard. He failed to have any impact on the game as the Gunners struggled to create.

Ozil 5/10

Another who failed to hit top form. The German’s passing was poor and he didn’t really stamp his authority on the game.

Giroud 6/10

Was the one who failed to prevent van Persie from scoring the goal and was ineffectual up front.

Subs

Wilshere (7), Bendtner (5), Gnabry (6)

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