By David Hobbs
December 1 2004

A David Bellion goal, just 20 seconds into play, was enough to guarantee Manchester United a place in the semi-finals of the Carling Cup following their 1-0 victory over Arsenal at Old Trafford earlier this evening. An overwhelming crowd of over 67,000 witnessed the tie.

United Sail into Semi Finals

Manchester United 1
Bellion 1

Arsenal 0

A David Bellion goal, just 20 seconds into play, was enough to guarantee Manchester United a place in the semi-finals of the Carling Cup following their 1-0 victory over Arsenal at Old Trafford earlier this evening. An overwhelming crowd of over 67,000 witnessed the tie.

The game wasn't as fast and furious as the controversial league tie between the two club in October, of which United triumphed, but did possess the same competitive element despite two wreaked and youthful sides.

Arsene Wenger didn't field too many recognisable players in his starting XI but did include Jermaine Pennant and Robin Van Persie, who both have first team experience.

Tim Howard returned in-between the sticks for The Red Devils whilst skipper Phil Neville, Wes Brown, John O'Shea and Quinton Fortune made up a strong defence. Frenchman David Bellion start alone up-front but was supported by a 5-man midfield.

Arsenal's Swiss centre-backs did not expect the first 20 seconds to pan out in the way the game actually started. Half African defender Djourou slipped from the kick-off, releasing David Bellion to fire past Arsenal's Spanish shot-stopper Almunia.

The Gunners took the goal as a wake-up call and quickly grabbed a hold of the game.

Midfielder Chris Eagles could have doubled United's lead after goalscorer Bellion picked the winger out, however, Eagles drove his shot wide. John O'Shea had a serving header blocked soon after.

Tim Howard showed signs of his old self, stretching at full length in order to keep Jermaine Pennant's promising free-kick away from his goalmouth with 5 minutes left to go.

It was noticeable that the older, more experienced United second-string were out-playing a battling Arsenal through both the first and second half and were both limited to few chances.

The second interval started in the same fiery and eventful way as the first half commenced. Kieran Richardson was infringed not once, but twice by Dutchman Robin Van Persie and obviously had enough, lashing out at the attacker. Both left-footers received cautions for their actions.

Guiseppe Rossi and David Jones were given chances to claim a more permanent place in the senior squad at Old Trafford, replacing Kleberson and Eagles late in the second half.

Wenger's youth couldn't surge forward and poke home an equaliser. The rot continues for Arsenal.

Final Score: Manchester United 1 - 0 Arsenal
Att: 67,103

Manchester United: T Howard, P Neville, W Brown, J O'Shea, Q Fortune, C Eagles, E Djemba-Djemba, L Miller, K Richardson, J Kleberson, D Bellion Substitutes: L Ricardo, D Jones, G Pique, S Ebanks-Blake, G Rossi

Arsenal: M Almunia, J Hoyte, P Senderos, J Djourou, G Clichy, J Pennant, M Flamini, S Larsson, Q Owusu-Abeyie, A Lupoli, R Van Persie. Substitutes: P Cregg, F Simek, D Karbassiyoon, R Smith, C Wright

Refereed By: M Hasley