Rooney celebrates

By Chris O'Brien
December 23 2014

Manchester United claimed a crucial 2-1 victory at Arsenal, bagging their first away triumph of the season in the process, courtesy of an own goal from Kieran Gibbs and a Wayne Rooney strike.

Louis van Gaal will be delighted with his side's North London success, with United producing a dogged display in the absence of a host of names.

A makeshift backline fought resolutely as Arsenal spurned chances, with ex-Red Danny Welbeck, Per Mertesacker, Jack Wilshere and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all having first-half chances as the hosts dominated before the interval.

United had chances of their own through Wayne Rooney and Angel Di Maria, and broke the deadlock on 55 minutes as Gibbs turned Antonio Valencia's shot into his own net, to the delight of the travelling Red Army. A collision between the Arsenal defender and Szczesny in the build up to Valencia's strike led to the Gunners having to switch their 'keepers, with Premier League debutant Emiliano Martinez introduced.

Martinez conceded thirty minutes later as Rooney raced through and dispatched a cool finish to seemingly settle the content, Arsenal, however, grabbed consolation at the death as Olivier Giroud fired a stunning long-range finish beyond the excellent David de Gea.

Full Time - Arsenal 1-2 Manchester United (Attendance: 60,074)