United vs Arsenal Post Match Post Mortem

United returned to winning ways in thrilling style last night as they consigned Arsenal to their 3rd cup exit in the last couple of weeks. There were gasps all round when it was announced that a team including seven defenders had been selected following the news that Fletcher and Carrick would be missing through injury. In what proved to be a masterstroke from the manager, the Brazilian twins were drafted in on the flanks with the midfield due to be held together by O'Shea and Gibson. United fans were puzzled as to the formation and whether the side would be strong enough to repel the attacking intent of the Gunners.

The first half in all honesty was a bit hit and miss from a United point of view. Plenty of times, long balls were played over the top of the Arsenal defence in an attempt to utilise the pace of the home team's attack but without much accuracy. At the other end, the Gunners played their usual pretty football but struggled with the end product once again.

The second half was a different story altogether as it often resembled a basketball match with both teams taking turns to attack. The major difference being that United always looked a threat in the penalty area where Arsenal resorted to hopeful attempts from the edge of the area with a few notable exceptions.

The main talking points from the game in my opinion were as follows:

1) Counter attack the key - In the recent past, Manchester United have had great success against Arsenal and more often than not it has been due to lightening breaks on the counter attack that have led to match winning goals. Both goals last night were an example of this. Rapid breaks when the game was stretched brought back memories of goals scored by Ronaldo and Rooney at the Emirates Stadium in recent seasons. The key to any attack being able to strike on the counter attack is pace and the introduction of Valencia on the right after six months out certainly helped in this area as the game wore on.

2) Energy and vibrancy returns - after the lethargy of last weekend's debacle against Liverpool, the manager selected a team full of youthful verve and enthusiasm. This was exemplified by Fabio and Rafael who buzzed around the pitch in the first half and did not let their opponents settle for a second. They play their football with great passion and are born to play on the biggest stage. The energy they brought to the team seemed to galvanise many of their team mates into raising their game in an attempt to raise morale following the recent defeats.

3) The return of Antonio Valencia - The surprise reappearance of the Ecuadorian to the United first team after half time was greeted with great joy by the home faithful. However, the impact that the super sub had was simply amazing. Returning to the scene of the horrific injury suffered against Rangers six months ago, the player himself would have been excused a quiet re-introduction. Coupled with this would be the mental scars that would need to be overcome after such a lengthy absence. But from his assured first touch and dart down the right flank, it was like he had never been away. Quentin Fortune had described him prior to the game in the MUTV studio as being a "beast" in training and it was hard to disagree with this statement. His pace and direct running immediately put Gibbs on the back foot and curtailed his attacking intent. When Nani is fit to return, probably on the left flank, the prospect of such speed and penetration on both flanks is mouthwatering and sure to be a big boost in the run in to the climax of the season. Nani has been a revelation on the right in Valencia's absence but a return to the left flank should not diminish his overall threat as he has two quality feet which will leave defenders in doubt as to which foot he will unleash. A word of caution about the returning Valencia though. Patience will be required as he has been out a long time and it is expecting too much for him not to suffer a little in the coming days. I would expect him to be on the bench against Marseille and perhaps have a cameo appearance in the second half when the French begin to tire.

4) Fabio goal analysis - The opening goal demonstrates perfectly the thrust and attacking verve that the young Brazilians brought to United in the first half. Collecting the ball from a Van Der Sar throw, Fabio in space laid the ball out to his brother making progress on the right flank. He then collected the return pass and intelligently laid it off to Rooney, before making a dart into the penalty area like a natural attacker would do and got his reward when Hernandez's header was palmed out by Almunia. In some ways it echoed the anticipation of Kuyt last week for Liverpool's third and showed how a defender who does not react to the possibilities of a rebound can easily get caught out.

Fabio (circled) lays the ball off and then head towards the penalty spot with the defenders slow to react

Three seconds later and Fabio is ahead of Koscielny to poke the ball home showing a striker's instinct

The ball from Rooney was inch perfect and Hernandez did very well to arch his neck muscles to give his header such power forcing Almunia into an excellent save before Fabio pounced.

5) Edwin the assist machine - United's search for his successor will be exhaustive and will focus on this key attribute as well as the ability to make saves or command the penalty area. Enjoy your retirement Edwin, you will be much missed.

6) Other positives - It almost goes without saying that our centre back partnership of Smalling and Vidic were solid once again. I have waxed lyrical about the mature performances of Smalling many times recently and this was another composed display against a potent Arsenal forward line. He is displaying qualities that belie his tender years and experience and is even having the confidence to bring the ball out of defence when the situation allows. His partner Vidic, gave his usual colossal display complimenting his colleague perfectly. There  is currently no finer centre back in World football in my opinion than the big Serb who has embraced the captaincy and progressed to a level unsurpassed in his time at Old Trafford.

Also a key component in the home team's defensive display were the much maligned midfield enforcers O'Shea and Gibson. Credit where it is due, both were excellent. They patrolled the back line effectively and broke up numerous Arsenal attacks before passing simply and intelligently to better placed team mates. Their presence in the first team squad is vital as they can both carry out the job required of them by the manager. O'Shea can play consistently in numerous positions and while he will never get the praise of more illustrious colleagues, you can bet he is a highly valued member of the dressing room.

Yesterday also saw a belated return to form for Wayne Rooney who seemed to thrive on the responsibility of a centre midfield role in the first half before a shift on the left flank in the second. His much heralded close control and touch seemed to be returning to its best as the game wore on and he was a major threat each time he touched the ball. It is early days to say he is back to his best but it was very encouraging and he is starting to pay back the supporters with vital goals too.

Paul Scholes brief cameo pretty much encapsulated his performances in recent years. Some remarkable touches and long passes but also a yellow card with the threat of a red also! He still has a role to play for United and while this may well come from the bench more frequently from now on, there is still no better long passer in the country.

An interesting fact I noticed with both goals last night is that the time taken from Van Der Sar releasing the ball until it ended up in the Arsenal net was approximately 16 seconds both times!

In conclusion, a vibrant United display that has restored a lot of confidence for the rest of the season.

The psychological damage handed out to Arsenal over the last couple of weeks remains to be seen but with questions about their spirit and bottle, it will take a big effort for them to recover.

The team will be in good heart going into the vital Champions League game on Tuesday ahead of the next league match against Bolton on Saturday. The make up of the team for these games will be fascinating and as last night shows, have faith in the manager and the players to drive us towards a trophy laden end to the season.

Tweet Bits

twins ran riot in the first half! more I see smalling the better he gets rooney was rooney of old. All round team show - awesomesj

the energy, attacking intent and skill of the twins in the first half was brilliant to watch. Both getting into the box. mazymixer

great to see valencia so assured he & Rooney have some understanding which hopefully will help us. Hope he stays fit - rorycobbe

was great to see a team put together at the last minute play so well for each other. Great to see Valencia back too! DrHooe

It'll be interesting to see how effective Nani is back on the left side of midfield with Valencia back owning the right. StrettyNews

United fans gave a warm ovation to Djourou when stretchered off+Liverpool fans booed Nani when he was. Utd fans have morals. TomMeeke17MUFC

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