Arsenal Vs Man Utd

Danny Welbeck wrote his name in to Arsenal folklore by scoring the winner on his first return to Old Trafford, sending the Gunners through to the semifinals of the FA Cup with a 2-1 win. Arsene Wenger's team took the lead through Nacho Monreal's composed strike, but swiftly surrendered an equaliser when Wayne Rooney nodded home Angel Di Maria's cross. However, Welbeck pounced on a loose Antonio Valencia back-pass to score the winning goal. United's attempts to launch a comeback were hindered by the dismissal of Di Maria, who was sent off after, having just been booked for diving, he received a second yellow card for tugging at the referee's shirt. The night might have got even better for Arsenal, but David de Gea produced two world-class saves to keep the Gunners' tally at two. No matter. There is something particularly poignant about Welbeck nicking the winner on his return to United. Arsenal fans will revel in the club's first victory at Old Trafford since 2006. Player Ratings (1-10; 10=best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating): GK Wojciech Szczesny, 6 -- Arsenal's cup goalkeeper looked a little nervy on his return to the side, without being enormously tested. This was not a performance to put David Ospina under significant pressure. DF Hector Bellerin, 6 -- Although his inexperience showed when he picked up an early booking for a needless foul on Ashley Young, Bellerin recovered to put in a largely assured display before being replaced by Calum Chambers. DF Per Mertesacker, 8 -- The giant German has responded remarkably well to being left out of the team against Everton. He was excellent against United, helping Arsenal to cope with the frequent long balls toward Marouane Fellaini. DF Laurent Koscielny, 7 -- Although the Frenchman will be disappointed to have lost Wayne Rooney for United's first-half equaliser, he played a crucial role in helping Arsenal see out the victory. DF Nacho Monreal, 8 -- Made his most tangible impact on the game with his goal, which he took surprisingly well given that he previously had just one other strike to his name in English football. However, it's worth noting that he was superb defensively too -- at present, Monreal looks a far safer option than the more cavalier Kieran Gibbs. MF Francis Coquelin, 8 -- Playing through the pain of a broken nose, Coquelin provided Arsenal with an invaluable shield in front of the defence. Coquelin showed brains as well as brawn. He knew he couldn't beat Fellaini to the first ball but made sure he was positioned intelligently to pick off the knockdowns. MF Santi Cazorla, 8 -- The quick feet of Cazorla allowed Arsenal to relieve the pressure and escape on the counter-attack on several occasions. There were also a couple of surprisingly sharp tackles from the diminutive playmaker. MF Mesut Ozil, 7 -- Arsenal's record signing was quiet in the first half but orchestrated several of their best attacks in the second. At times he seemed a little reluctant to shoot. Had he been more ruthless, the Gunners may have won by a greater margin. FW Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, 7 -- Created the goal with an outstanding bit of skill, dribbling past three players before picking out a pass for Monreal. Unfortunately, a hamstring injury ended his night early. FW Alexis Sanchez, 7 -- Provided Arsenal with a constant outlet on the break and was a menace inside the penalty area. Arsenal's top scorer would have added to his tally but for a stunning save from De Gea. FW Danny Welbeck, 7 -- In the first half, Welbeck's first touch was off and he struggled to make an impact on the game. However, he worked tirelessly and grew in to the match as it went on. The goal was just reward for his selfless play and should provide a tremendous boost to his confidence. Arsenal fans will also have been delighted to see him celebrate his goal rather than opt for a muted display. Substitutes MF Aaron Ramsey, 7 -- Came on for Oxlade-Chamberlain and added characteristic energy to the proceedings. DF Calum Chambers, 6 -- Replaced Bellerin and helped Arsenal through an intense final 20 minutes. FW Olivier Giroud, NR -- Introduced as a replacement for Welbeck, Giroud made little impact.