Wayne Rooney missed a great chance in the opening stages as Manchester United appeared to have the upper hand at the Emirates, but the Gunners picked up their game after 20 minutes with Samir Nasri hitting a half-volley that deflected off Gary Neville, giving van der Sar no chance. Immediately after the restart the Gunners doubled their lead when Samir Nasri produced another fine finish after Fabregas had played him in. Brazilian right back Rafael pulled one back for United in the final minute with a great left-footed volley, but United couldn’t find an equaliser in six minutes of injury-time.