In spite of last night’s much anticipated class between Manchester United and Arsenal disappointing on the entertainment front, Robin Van Persie’s early goal represented a moment which would lodge into United-Arsenal history forever.
The two clubs have had a fair share of tasty meetings throughout the years. For nostalgia’s sake, let’s take a look back at some of the more memorable encounters between one of the Premier League’s most famous rivalries.
Ryan Gigg’s goal
The FA Cup semi-final replay in 1999 had everything and stands as one of the finest matches ever produced in English football. Ryan Giggs was to make the headlines though with an extraordinary individual piece of brilliance in extra-time. Beginning at the half-way line, Giggs dribbled past the whole Arsenal back line and smashed the ball past David Seaman and straight into the history books. Equally as iconic was the exposure of his Austin Powers like chest in celebration.
Pizzagate
A year after the Battle of Old Trafford came the Battle of the Buffet. The Invincibles 49 game unbeaten run came to an end thanks to a 2-0 defeat, but it was to be the aftermath which dominated the headlines. Sol Campbell refused to shake Wayne Rooney’s hand and tempers boiled over into the dressing room. Control was well and truly lost when a 17 year old Cesc Fabregas launched pizza at Sir Alex Ferguson.
Battle of Old Trafford
The most acrimonious match between the two came during Arsenal’s 2003-04 unbeaten season. Patrick Viera was send off in the 80th minute for a second bookable offence, but the real madness came in stoppage time after Martin Keown brought down United’s Diego Forlan in the Arsenal penalty area. Van Nistelrooy’s penalty smashed off the crossbar and an aggressive Keown, among other Arsenal players, confronted the Dutchman in somewhat of a hostile manner.
The Keane-Viera tunnel incident
Roy Keane sticking up for his mate Gary Neville after arch-nemesis Patrick Viera directed a few choice words at the United right back. This was a classic example of pick on somebody your own size – except Roy Keane actually stands an inch shorter than Gary Neville. The words “I’ll see you out there” and “Thinks he’s a nice guy” from the Irishman set the tone for another tasty encounter which saw United run out 4-2 winners at Highbury.
Henry – Barthez
Two calamitous – but hilarious – errors from eccentric Frenchman Fabian Barthez gifted Thierry Henry two goals and Arsenal the victory. Barthez’s mishit clearance straight to Henry in the 80th minute was bad enough, but the repeated trick 5 minutes later led to Sir Alex Ferguson surprising all by showing his face can go even redder.