Player Ratings: Arsenal 1-0 Manchester United

Excellent second-half display maintained Arsenal's advantage. Had nothing to do until he athletically pawed away Rooney's free-kick straight after the break and then made a series of fine saves as United increased the pressure.

Was a quasi-attacker for much of the match and made some strong overlaps on the right but his crossing was abysmal and rarely found a team-mate. Nearly opened the scoring with a long-range left foot shot.

Distinguished himself with a near-faultless display before Arsenal's mysterious injury curse struck again, and he hobbled off midway through the second half.

Handled the combined threat of Nani and Valencia superbly, who got little change out of his flank. Will do his contract talks no harm.

Occasionally sloppy in possession but a font of industry and stood up well to the task of shackling Carrick and co.

With a leather-jacketed Fabregas out injured and watching from the stands, Ramsey was given an audition in the playmaker role. Much of the game passed him by and his touch was frequently too heavy before he stole into the box and clinically side-footed the opener.

The most influential midfielder on the pitch. Carried the ball forward well, made a string of astute passes and hungrily threw himself into the task of winning the central battle.

Had some excellent dribbles in the opening 20 minutes and seemed hell-bent on giving the home crowd something to savor before suffering a hamstring injury that ended his participation at half-time.

On fire in the opening quarter of an hour, when he had space to run at Evra and open up United's defense. Faded after the break and was subbed late on.

Lucky not to receive a yellow for his incessant barracking of the officials following the penalty that wasn't before showing the more attractive side of his game with a lively second-half display. Set up Ramsey's goal with some excellent footwork and a neat low cross.

Apart from one poor kick, did little wrong.

Another impressive display from the youngster in dealing with Arsenal, but could have been in real trouble after fouling Arshavin.

Resolute display by United's outstanding defender of the season. Made some crucial interceptions, with head and foot.

Fortunate not to concede a penalty - and stay on the pitch - when the linesman failed to spot him handball a first-half Walcott cross in the box.

Did not get tight enough to Walcott in the opening 20 minutes but, aided by Park, responded to his manager's instructions and kept the wide man on a tighter leash.

Energetically doubled up on Walcott before being switched into central midfield following Anderson's substitution and immediately failed to track Ramsey's run for the opening goal.

Solid in the middle, nothing spectacular and nothing close to his Champions League form.

Struggled to get a grip of the midfield and his hit-and-miss passing offered little to United's in-form attackers. Subbed after an hour.

Struggled to break out of the Clichy-imposed shackles.

The game passed him by in the first half, when his only real contribution was to get a booking for hauling down Wilshere.