Manchester United against Arsenal has always been a heated competition, with numerous physical battles. Often though such strong competition can become a breeding ground for greatness as these five goals show.
Although when players such as David Beckham, Thierry Henry, Ryan Giggs and Patrick Vieira have all been involved in such a great fixture, little other than greatness could be expected.
5. David Beckham – FA Cup Semi Final, 1999
While the 1999 FA Cup Semi Final may be more famous for a fantastic effort from Ryan Giggs, more on that later, although it must be remembered it wasn’t the only screamer in this game. As he so often did during his time at United, Beckham brought the ball down in midfield, he then drove forward, exchanging passes with Sheringham before finishing with aplomb from outside the box. Incredible.
4. John O’Shea – Premier League, 2005
He may be an unexpected name on this list but his goal deserves his place just as much as any other on this list. The Irish centre-back made a surging run from defense and he was picked out expertly by Scholes, he then went on to stun the crowd as he delicately chipped the onrushing goalkeeper, Manuel Almunia. He wasn’t finished there though as he finished it off with a Cantona-esqu celebration. Amazing.
3. Ashley Young – Premier League, 2011
After an expensive transfer from Aston Villa, the English winger was under immense pressure to perform. And perform he did. His solo-stunner against Arsenal was evidence of this. He took control of the ball, feigned to go left before surging past Coquelin cutting in on his right and curling the ball into the far left corner. Stunner.
2. Thierry Henry – Premier League, 2004
He may be the only Arsenal player on this list but he is certainly deserving in his place. After taking the ball from Pires well outside the box, he moved the ball to give him room and then shot with sheer power and just enough curl to leave Roy Carroll floundering on the floor as the shot rifled into the top bin. Top Drawer.
1. Ryan Giggs – FA Cup Semi Final, 1999
It just had to be number 1 didn’t it. It was deep into extra time in the FA Cup Semi Final replay, the game was tied 1-1 and United were down to 10 men. Step forward Ryan Giggs. He intercepted a poor ball form Vieira and he never looked back. He then went on a slaloming run surging past Terry Adams before smashing the ball past David Seaman into the roof of the Arsenal net. The goal was not only skilfully impressive, but important for United’s season. It gave United a place in the final that they would go onto win. It would not only give United an FA Cup but also a historic treble. Worldie.
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