Arsenal hold already crowned champions to draw

Arsenal and newly crowned Premier League champions Manchester United faced each other last Saturday in what turned out to be a more important game for the Gunners. The match saw the return of Robin Van Persie to the Emirates and of course he witnessed a very hostile reception as chorus of boos rang out every time he got on the ball. That wasn't the only thing though, the Gunners had to perform a guard of honour for their rivals in recognition of them winner the 2012/13 Premier League campaign. In terms of the line-up, there were a few key changes as Gibbs replaced Monreal and Podolski came in for the suspended Olivier Giroud as the German finally got a chance up front.

Arsenal led after only 2 minutes through Theo Walcott. Podolski turned and then found Rosicky who played the ball in behind to Walcott who raced clear before finding the back of the net. The players looked really up for the game, tackles were flying in from every direction and they were looking ruthless on the attack. If only that could've continued. Arsenal's defensive displays had looked much better in recent weeks and if it wasn't for Sagna's mistakes, we would have surely gone onto win the game. The Frenchman mistimed a pass straight to Van Persie and then he brought him down resulting in a penalty. RVP was the man to take the penalty and he slammed the ball home against his former employers. The second half was very different from the first though as the teams looked more equal. However no goal could be found again and it ended Arsenal 1-1 Manchester United.

Theo Walcott scored early on to give the Gunners the lead

The teams lineups:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Arteta, Ramsey(79), Rosicky(61), Cazorla, Walcott, Podolski(72).
Subs: Mannone, Vermaelen, Monreal, Jenkinson, Wilshere(61), Oxlade-Chamberlain(79), Gervinho(72).

Man United: De Gea, Rafael(74), Evans, Ferdinand, Evra, Jones, Carrick, Valencia, Nani(82), Rooney(88), Van Persie.
Subs: Lingegaard, Buttner, Anderson(74), Giggs(82), Cleverley, Kagawa, Hernandez(88).

My man of the match: Laurent Koscielny

Referee: Phil Dowd
Attendance: 60,112