Man United starting XI- Van der Sar, Fabio, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Park, Carrick, Anderson, Nani, Hernandez and Rooney.
Subs- Kuszczak, Owen, Berbatov, Smalling, Rafael Da Silva, O'Shea and Valencia.
It was Arsenal who started brightly, their first chance came only minute into the game after Nemanja Vidic only half-cleared the ball, which fell to Jack Wilshere but he hit his effort wide. Then Theo Walcott came close after getting onto the end of a cross from Gael Clichy but he hit the ball over the bar.
Man United didn't threaten the Arsenal goal until the 20th minute, Luis Nani found Fabio Da Silva who ran into Arsenal's penalty area, he pulled the ball back towards Javier Hernandez but the ball was put behind from Arsenal for a corner.
Arsenal should have been awarded a penalty in the 33rd minute after Vidic handled the ball in the area. Walcott's ball into the area came off Vidic's outstretched arm and behind for a corner.
Man United were testing Wojciech Szczesny minutes into the second half. United were awarded a free-kick after Alexandre Song fouled Ji-Sung Park. Rooney took the free-kick, which was saved by Szczesny, the ball rebounded to Patrice Evra who hit the ball into the side-netting.
Man United made their first substitution on the 54th minute bringing on Antonio Valencia. A minute later, Arsenal took the lead. Robin Van Persie cut in from the right, he pulled the ball back to Aaron Ramsey who slotted the ball low into the corner.
A foul by Song on Evra started a fracas, the Arsenal player was booked. Park was booked a minute later after a high challenge on Bakari Sagna.
Man United wanted a penalty on the 66th minute after Walcott pulled down Evra in the penalty area but nothing was given.
Man United had another free-kick after Ramsey handled the ball, Rooney took the free-kick but it caught by Szczesny. With 14 minutes remaining, Szczesny parried away Nani's shot from 12 yards out.
A counter attack from Arsenal, Jack Wilshere found Van Persie, his cross into the area was missed by the Arsenal players. Then Arsenal had a free-kick from 22 yards out but the ball was hit straight into the arms of Edwin Van Der Sar.
The final substitution of the game for United was to bring on Michael Owen for Michael Carrick.
United should have been given a penalty on the 87th minute, Owen was brought down in the penalty area but Chris Foy waved away the penalty claims.
Four minutes were added on but Man United failed to score and now have to win against Chelsea next week. Man United are now only three points clear of Chelsea, they have the same goal difference so if the London side win at Old Trafford, they will go top of the table.
Really disgusted not for the result as in all fairness Arsenal were well up for it but our display was just awefull from a number of players. The build up to the game it really sounded like the United players were raring to go and i for one was fairly confident. I still cant quite believe we lost this game, i was pacing up and down the last 30 minutes of this game and afterward just felt sick to my stomach. Next week will now be worse and am a bundle of nerves this far out as i can see Chelsea getting a favorable decision at Old Trafford as they have in the past which would just be devastating.