Arsenal
Manuel Almunia: Could only tip Nani's cross into his net to set the tone and his scuff almost presented the Portuguese with a second 4
Bacary Sagna: Strong and athletic gliding forward down the flank and impressive in flashes, but caught out of position too often 5
William Gallas: In the early exchanges he had some fine interceptions to snuff out Scholes and Rooney. His display rather faded thereafter 5
Thomas Vermaelen: Was hurt at Villa and laboured at times, perhaps with fitness in doubt. Was vulnerable when United were at their slickest 5
Gaël Clichy: The full-back remains rusty after his lengthy injury absence, and Nani tore him to shreds too often here 4
Cesc Fábregas: Drowned amid Manchester United's irrepressible energy in midfield, and unable to stamp any authority on the contest 6
Alexandre Song: Was booked for one lunge, but the shield he provides in front of the Arsenal back four was pierced too often 6
Denilson: Peripheral where Arsenal needed bite to disrupt the clockwork passing of United's midfield trio 4 Tomas Rosicky: There was the occasional flash of quality, and link-up play with Arshavin, but he did not unsettle Rafael da Silva 5
Andrey Arshavin: Slippery on the turf, exposing Brown in the first period, but Arsenal needed a more muscular focus in their front-line 5
Samir Nasri: Unable to exert any influence. He was exposed by Nani's pace, and offered little poise or promise on the ball 4
Manchester United
Edwin van der Sar: Rarely troubled until beaten by Vermaelen's deflected volley. Oozes assuredness where Arsenal are vulnerable in the same position 7
Rafael Da Silva: May have been targeted as a weak link, but is growing with every performance. Rosicky made few inroads down his flank 7
Wes Brown: Initially appeared vulnerable but was still abrasive and offered reassurance to his less experienced team-mates 6
Johnny Evans: Often exposed in the air though on the turf he was more assured and snuffed out the danger from Arshavin 7
Patrice Evra: Allowed Arsenal no joy down that side. Was eager to contribute offensively and just as energetic when shuttling back 7
Darren Fletcher: He was all industry and clever passing, breaking up Arsenal's passing then springing United forward with class in distribution 8
Paul Scholes: Asked to snuff out the threat posed by Fábregas but metronomic and menacing with his passing from deep 8
Michael Carrick: His passing smacked of real quality. It was his chip into space that sent Park scurrying through for the third goal 8
Nani: Ronaldo would have been proud to muster a run and trick as blistering as that which traumatised Nasri and Clichy 8
Wayne Rooney: Playing the football of his life, terrorising markers and scoring his 100th Premier League goal with a sweet finish 9
Park Ji-sung: All bustling energy down his flank and unfazed by Sagna, with his pace and industry exposing Arsenal on the breakn 8
