Arsenal vs Manchester Utd

Despite a fervent atmosphere at the Emirates, two goals from Park Ji-Sung and the fantastic Cristiano Ronaldo killed this tie off in the first 11 minutes.
Arsenal were simply never in contention against a brilliant and composed Manchester United who went on to win the game 3-1 on the night and 4-1 on aggregate.

Fergie’s men will now march off to Rome for the Champions League final hoping to be the first team to retain the trophy. Judging by last night’s performance, it will be hard to bet against them.

Rarely can a match have been played between the so-called ‘big four’ in recent times where one side dominated the 90 minutes as heavily as Manchester United did in their clash with Arsenal last Wednesday and I expect the Red Devils to qualify for consecutive Champions League finals at The Emirates.

In truth, the tie should really be over, with United having missed so many opportunities six days ago and even the return of Robin van Persie doesn’t look like rescuing the Gunners. An away goal will surely be the end of the tie as Arsenal would then need at least three to qualify having failed to score at Old Trafford. United look the more likely winners of the pair to me.

The away side are generally around 1.30 shots to qualify for the showpiece in Rome but following the news that Rio Ferdinand looks set to win his fitness battle in time to recover from a rib injury I think it’s worth taking a chance on them progressing in style. The 2.80 looks sizeable about an away win but I’d like some insurance given they do no need to win the match and the 1.91 on offer about Sir Alex Ferguson’s men in the Draw No Bet market appeals.

The manor in which Fletcher, Carrick and Anderson dominated the midfield contest last week was the most telling factor for me and if Sir Alex chooses to go with that trio again then United can expect much of the same joy. Of course things will be tougher in London but they’ve enough match-winners in their ranks to find the net again and that should seal their place in the final.

Only Manuel Almunia prevented the reigning champions racking up a cricket score in the first leg and there was more than enough evidence to persuade me to side with them once more. The importance of the Ferdinand-Vidic defensive partnership should not be underestimated and I think the visitors will start on the front foot with that pair protecting Edwin van der Sar with such authority.