VAN DER SAR
Despite Arsenal edging the possession, the veteran Dutch keeper had relatively little to do as Reds' back four held line 7
RAFAEL
Brazilian youngster showed why he has won Fergie's trust with assured display both at the back and going forward 7
FERDINAND
New youthful haircut and Rio rolled back the years with a textbook example of central defending. Looks back to his best 9
VIDIC
The Reds' skipper was a solid rock at the heart of the defence and slid in to deny Chamakh after van der Sar parried a shot 8
EVRA
Those pre-match taunts look even more justified now. The Frenchman also won his personal duel with Alexander Song 8
NANI
Pace and trickery kept Gunners defence busy all night. But his final ball and decision-making let him down too often 6
FLETCHER
In a fierce and feisy midfield affair bore the brunt of numerous Arsenal assaults. Pressed deeper the longer it went on 7
CARRICK
Harem-scarem affair meant Geordie had to show more steel than his customary silk but he met fire with fire at all times 7
ANDERSON
Was a constant thorn in the Gunners' side all night and so nearly capped a fine display with a second successive goal 8
PARK
How the South Korean must love playing against Arsenal. Showed both lightning thought and reflexes to head he winner 8
ROONEY
Looked up for it, even though he was asked to play as a lone striker, However fluffed his lines from the penalty spot 7
Subs
GIGGS
(Anderson) Only on for a cameo but he successfully snuffed out the Arsenal threat 7
Not used:
Kuszczak; Brown; Smalling; Berbatov; Hernandez; Obertan
Source: Manchester Evening News
Source: M.E.N.