Player Ratings: Arsenal 1-2 Manchester United

Displayed excellent reflexes to pull off a series of fine saves, particularly his first-half parry from Nani. Can take comfort from the fact he conceded six less than last time at least.

Got torn apart in the last 10 minutes of the opening half at right-back, a position he seldom looks comfortable at. Replaced by Yennaris at the break.

His poor clearance straight to Giggs led to United's opener but he partly atoned with a second-half goal-saving clearance from Welbeck, even though he looked like he was running through treacle to get to the line.

Arsenal's back five all look twice as tall when the 'Verminator' is fit but this was not an easy return to the action for the Belgian. Got beaten by Valencia to Giggs' cross for the opener and was nowhere near the South American for the second.

Read the play well and made some excellent interceptions. Played a crucial role in Arsenal's goal with his tackle and quick pass to Rosicky. Increasingly looking the part against the best teams.

The Czech's central midfield role perhaps says more about Arsenal's lack of options than a newly discovered combativeness on the player's part. Did well to create an excellent second-half opportunity for Van Persie and his fizzing first-time ball to Oxlade-Chamberlain was crucial to the equaliser but mostly looked a square peg in a round hole.

Did the job of two men at times with the lightweight Rosicky alongside him. Screened the defence capably and maintained his concentration well.

Grew in influence as the game wore on but his distribution was hit-and-miss and subbed late on.

There were boos at Emirates Stadium when the precocious teenager, who minutes earlier had created Van Persie's goal with a brilliant reverse pass, was substituted for Arshavin. Did not always make the runs his team-mates expected him to, but was lively on both flanks and never stopped trying to conjure a goal.

Missed by far the easier of his two second-half chances but his goal was vintage Van Persie, peeling into space, taking his shot first time on his left foot and arrowing it unerringly into the corner. His reaction to Oxlade-Chamberlain's substitution verged on the rebellious.

Looked a little rattled late on by Arsenal's crosses into his six-yard box, but could do little to prevent Van Persie's strike snaking past his grasp.

Stretchered off early on after seemingly twisting his ligaments, either ankle or knee, as his leg buckled while Walcott ran at him. It looked a serious injury with United's defensive crisis at the back showing no sign of abating. Even before then, Jones had looked uncomfortable at right-back against Walcott and Oxlade-Chamberlain's pace.

Recalled to centre-back following Rio Ferdinand's back injury and looked authoritative and commanding, bar his horrible slip that allowed Rosicky a clear run on goal.

Accomplished display in the air and on the deck by the Irishman. Should be set for a lengthy run in the team, given the injuries to his team-mates.

Got caught out by Oxlade-Chamberlain early on but, as usual, had Walcott in his pocket. Showed his team-mates the way with his commitment and desire late on.

Elegant and purposeful throughout and did a fine job of protecting his defence.

Has been tearing Arsenal apart for 20 years and shows no sign of letting up. Showed Nani how to put a ball on a colleague's head with his pinpoint delivery for Valencia's goal and was purposeful in possession throughout.

Purposeful, energetic and menacing display on the left flank, where he expertly exposed Arsenal's right-back deficiencies. If his deliveries had matched his trickery, United would surely have won more comfortably.

Tenacious and involved but not quite at his best. A lot did not come off and his attempt at winning a second-half penalty looked a bit desperate.

Pacey and lively in the spearhead role. Banged in the winner and inches from getting a second, when his dink over Szczesny was clawed away from the line by Mertesacker.