Manchester United versus Arsenal is truly the most iconic rivalry of the English game. Often these two teams play the best football of their season against each other. They both will play their 220th game later today in the FA Cup quarter final clash.
Over the years we have had iconic tussles between Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson. Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira wanted to kill each other on the pitch and then there was the last minute penalty save in FA Cup semi-final and then Ryan Giggs with that amazing solo goal.
All of this and many other iconic moments have been created by these two sides and we take a look at Five most memorable matches over the years between Manchester United and Arsenal.
Manchester United 2-1 Arsenal, FA Cup Semi-Final, 14 April 1999
Ironically these two team’s most remarkable meeting comes from the FA Cup itself. It was 1999 Semi Final replay. After drawing 0-0 the first time, both teams met 3 days later. United were given an early lead by a typical David Beckham’s curling goal.
Arsenal leveled through Dennis Bergkamp’s goal. The game had everything, a disallowed goal for Arsenal, red card for Roy Keane and the unforgettable last minute penalty save by United great Peter Schmeichel.
The game looked to be headed towards penalties after the extra time but Ryan Giggs had other ideas. The winger stole the ball from Patrick Vieira and ran pass 5 Arsenal defenders and managed to fire a shot pass David Seaman to hand United the victory and it lead a charge for United’s treble winning 1999 season. Add to that who can forget Giggs running across with his shirt waving like a windmill.
Relive that amazing goal by Ryan Giggs:
Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal, Premier League, 8 May 2002
This game holds a special memory in Arsenal fans’ memories as it secured the Premier League title for the gunners on the very last day of the season. Both teams came in to the game knowing that a draw would be enough for United to win their third title in a row.
Sylvan Wiltord had other ideas as the Frenchman scored just minutes before the hour mark to ensure Arsenal win their 2nd league title under Arsene Wenger and that too at Old Trafford.
Watch the moment when Arsenal won the League at Old Trafford
Arsenal 3-2 Manchester United, FA Cup Final, 12 May 1979
Often recalled as the “Five-minute-Final” is one of the best finals in FA Cup history. It saw Arsenal take the early 2-0 lead and looked comfortable for the cup but goals on 86th and 88th minute of the game saw United level the game.
The match seemed to be heading towards extra time only to see Alan Sunderland score the winning goal in the very last of the game to hand Arsenal their FA Cup success.
Manchester United 8-2 Arsenal, Premier League, 28 August 2011
This game still haunts Arsenal players, claimed Alex Ox Chamberlin ahead of the side’s meeting in the quarter final clash later today. Till date, this stands as the highest scoring game between the two sides when United crushed an injury hit Arsenal side.
Rooney scored a hat-trick, Ashley Young grabbed a brace while Welbeck, Ji-Sung-Park and Nani chipped in with goals to turn the night in to misery for Arsenal players and fans.
See here how United crushed Arsenal at Old Trafford
Arsenal 0-0 Manchester United (Arsenal won 5-4 on penalties), FA Cup Final, 21 May 2005
Yet another FA Cup triumph wraps up our list of top 5 memorable clashes between Manchester United and Arsenal over the years. This game is significant for many reasons as this was the last time United played a FA Cup final and it was the last game for Patrick Vieira as an Arsenal player.
After playing a 0-0 after normal and extra time, teams headed for the ultimate lottery and as it turned out Arsenal picked the right players. Paul Scholes was the only player to miss his kick and it gave Vieira the chance to win it for Arsenal and he did just that. Since this game Arsenal took more than 9 years to win a trophy last season with their FA Cup success.
Patrick Vieira’s last kick as an Arsenal player