PRESS BOX VIEW - THE SUN

Last updated : 25 October 2004 By editor

'The striker’s 73rd-minute penalty could turn Manchester United’s season around and launch another of their mighty fightbacks. But, if that happens, Arsene Wenger will feel a burning sense of injustice.

The Dutchman’s stamp on Ashley Cole should have brought him a red card long before all the second-half drama unfolded. The fact that the linesman just inches away missed it and inconsistent referee Mike Riley could not make up his mind is not United’s fault.

To be fair, the feet flew all day. Jose Reyes’ shins in particular will bear testimony to that.

But it was the right boot that swung at the ball and converted the controversial 73rd-minute spot-kick that United fans will remember. It is debatable whether the penalty should have been given. Wayne Rooney used an old head on his young shoulders to go over Sol Campbell’s outstretched leg. But would an Arsenal player not have done the same?

Kolo Toure’s late dive in the opposite box was a piece of play- acting that deserved a yellow card.

The scoreline took on a more emphatic look as Wayne Rooney celebrated his 19th birthday by finishing off United’s best move of the game in injury-time.

Pandemonium ensued throughout the ground and the thunder that brewed above as a storm swept in was drowned out by the noise of United’s fans. Arsenal’s 49-game unbeaten run was over, their air of invincibility blown away.

The invincibles were human again, the untouchables had been grabbed round the throat by Ferguson’s men and shaken out of their stride. They looked happy with a draw, which was something United never were. Ferguson’s men simply could not afford to be. Gary Neville had rightly said in midweek they could not rely on others to sort out Arsenal — they had to do it themselves.

And sort them out they did.

Wenger will have been glad to get away from Old Trafford last night and get home. The presence of Ferguson, however, is still something he cannot escape.'