Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/210069
23 Sport maltatoday, WEDNESDAY, 13 NOVEMBER 2013 OPINION Pretenders v Contenders lions freed from a pen, hungry and determined to show their worth. Arsenal wanted to use their normal casual pace to control their wild opponents, but Moyes' men had other ideas. They pressed Arsenal off the pitch and were constantly in their face for the first 45 minutes. In the first half Arsenal, who everyone praised prior to the game could not string three passes together. It wasn't the fact that they didn't show up because they did. United however made it look easy in the first half due to that intense pressure. Naturally such an energetic performance took it out of the players and the second half saw Arsenal gain more freedom and peg their way back into the game. As we analysed Ramsey's goal for Arsenal against Liverpool last week, we also must do the same for van Persie. His header was priceless, Rooney's cross was flawless however one man who will not get a mention is Johnny Evans. After reading this, see the replays one more time and watch his movement and how it upsets the Arsenal back four. That movement was brilliant as it confused everyone as he acted like a cat amongst the pigeons. Without a shadow of doubt Manchester United are back in it but make no mistake about it this was a must win game for United. Mark Strijbosch THIS was a classic bout: the title pretenders taking on the Champions. The new and improved versus the classically good. It was Manchester United against Arsenal and it was one of the best clashes we saw all season. The match had everything it promised. Flowing football a speedy tempo as well as a high level of determination from 22 players who pushed themselves to perform at their peak. With Arsenal stretching to an eight point lead so early on in the season, both the bookies and the fans made them favourites. We all thought it had all finally clicked for Wenger's men and that this year at last they would go al the way. Polar opposites United had crumbled. A terrible 4-1 defeat at Man City, as well as another loss to arch rivals Liverpool left the fans reeling and praying things would change. Too slow, too boring fans moaned. Too fast too furious they lauded on Sunday evening. Manchester United needed a big win, and though the 1-0 scoreline is as low as they go, the win was as massive as can be for the fans. They emerged from the dressing room like Wayne's World Manchester United fans were left purring after yet another top drawer Robin van Persie celebrates his goal against Arsenal performance from Wayne Rooney, who assisted Robin van Persie's excellent header. Rooney has been outstanding so far for United despite a tough summer after Sir Alex's famous last words. His movement on Sunday was excellent and he covered the most ground over the 90 minutes. He is fulfilling his role as the ideal number 10 and frankly said he is dearly missed when not in the starting line up. With his form so strong fans are asking what sparked him into life, with many cynical ones asking who is in the stands scouting him, with sections speculating a move to Real Madrid is on the cards. Other more loyal fans have praised David Moyes for brining the best out of him. Back in the Everton days both men had their own disagreements but maybe Moyes has this time won him over and highlighted the importance he has in his team. My curiosity lies in the tag "sidekick" which David Moyes used for Rooney in the post match interview and I do wonder what impact that term will have on the England forward. With United now closing the gap to five points the league is now wide open again. Chelsea and Man City have been inconsistent but it is too early to rule them out. It still also remains to be seen whether Liverpool can maintain a good run of form to make them earn the title of contenders. This has to be one of the most promising seasons we have seen yet in terms of entertainment. 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