Man Utd 0-0 Arsenal
<!-- E IIMA -->
Manchester United sealed a third successive Premier
League title by getting the point they needed against Arsenal - but
the Old Trafford celebrations only started after an afternoon
gripped by tension.
Sir Alex Ferguson's side knew a draw would ensure they equalled
Liverpool's long-time record of 18 titles, but they suffered for
long periods as Arsenal ensured they did not earn their prize
without a fight.
Robin van Persie and Cesc Fabregas both wasted opportunities to
drag the title race into its final week and leave United with more
work to do at Hull City on the last day of the season as nerves
jangled in the closing stages.
But United's defence, so often the bedrock of their success this
season, delivered another clean sheet when Ferguson needed it most
and Old Trafford erupted in ecstasy at the final whistle as an 11th
Premier League success was confirmed.
Wayne Rooney missed United's best chance with a first-half
header, and there was an intriguing cameo when Old Trafford voiced
its resounding disapproval when the popular Carlos Tevez was
substituted in what could prove to be his final home
appearance.
But nothing could overshadow United's achievement - or the joy
of players, fans and management - as the presentations were made
after the final whistle.
United saw off a stirring challenge from an improving Liverpool
this season to once again set the standards their rivals must meet,
despite a stumble when defeats against Rafael Benitez's side and
Fulham threatened to undermine their challenge.
And as so often during this campaign, United got the result they
needed when not at their most fluent, with the industry of Darren
Fletcher and the defensive solidity of Nemanja Vidic taking centre
stage as Arsenal kept Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo on the
margins.
United's squad were introduced individually as the presentations
began, but the biggest ovation of all was reserved for Ferguson,
whose hunger, drive and desire have again been the inspiration for
this triumph.
And as the pyrotechnics flashed around Old Trafford, Ferguson
could start the preparations for further glory as he attempts to
make United the first club to successfully defend the Champions
League when they meet Barcelona in the final in Rome.
Tevez's spectacular equaliser at Wigan earned him a starting
place ahead of Dimitar Berbatov - with Ferguson clearly unmoved by
continued speculation surrounding the Argentine's future.
Andrey Arshavin was restored to Arsenal's side after illness,
and he saw plenty of possession in a first 45 minutes that saw
Arsene Wenger's side acquit themselves far better than when the
pressure was on in the recent Champions League semi-final against
United.
The Russian provided an inviting cross for Van Persie after 13
minutes, but he headed off target with United's defence
unlocked.
United's response was a Rooney header from John O'Shea's cross
four minutes later. He should have at least tested Arsenal keeper
Lukasz Fabianski, but directed a low header just wide.
Arsenal had a foothold in the game without putting United's
defence under concerted pressure, but there was enough on show to
subdue the atmosphere of anticipation inside Old Trafford.
United had one final opportunity as the interval approached, but
Ryan Giggs shot well over the top after good work on the left flank
by Rooney.
Van Persie had already been booked for a reckless challenge on
Ronaldo, and he was fortunate to escape with a lecture from referee
Mike Dean early in the second half for another poor tackle, this
time on Patrice Evra.
United had struggled to create clear-cut opportunities, but
Fabianski had to be alert on the hour to block Tevez, with Ronaldo
firing the loose ball yards over the bar.
It was the final contribution for Tevez, who was replaced by
Ji-Sung Park. Ferguson's decision was not well received by Old
Trafford, in fact it was met with open derision as the popular
striker made his way to the touchline.
Tevez milked the situation for all it was worth, waving to all
sides of the ground in apparent farewell - going a step further by
acknowledging the fans after taking his place on the bench.
Ronaldo thought he had scored the goal that rubber-stamped the
title with 12 minutes left, but his 20-yard angled free-kick dipped
just wide with Fabianski beaten.
Fabregas almost stunned Old Trafford with seven minutes left and
the clock ticking down towards the title triumph. He found space
inside the penalty area but, to widespread relief from the home
support, could only find the side-netting.
Van Persie then shot straight at Van der Sar as United looked to
have settled for the stalemate that would see them retain their
crown.
The Dutch striker gave Old Trafford one final scare when his
free-kick was bravely blocked by Michael Carrick.
Seconds later, referee Dean sounded the final whistle and United
were crowned champions again.
Man Utd: Van der Sar, O'Shea, Vidic, Evans,
Evra, Ronaldo, Fletcher, Carrick, Giggs, Rooney (Anderson 90),
Tevez (Park 67).
Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Neville, Berbatov, Scholes, Rafael Da
Silva.
Arsenal: Fabianski, Sagna, Toure, Song Billong,
Gibbs (Eboue 76), Nasri (Bendtner 69), Denilson, Diaby, Fabregas,
Arshavin (Walcott 69), van Persie.
Subs Not Used: Mannone, Vela, Ramsey, Silvestre.
Booked: van Persie, Arshavin, Fabregas, Nasri,
Song Billong.
Att: 75,468
Ref: Mike Dean (Wirral).
