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Manchester United managed to eke out a 2-1 victory at the Emirates despite having to defend for long periods of the game.
Arsenal dominated in the first half and really should have been in front when Jack Wilshere went through on goal, but David de Gea guessed correctly to make a save.
Arsenal continued to rue missed chances but it was a mix-up between Wojciech Szczesny Kieran Gibbs that broke the deadlock in north London.
The Arsenal goalkeeper collided with his left-back when a cross came in from Arsenal's right and, with Gibbs still on the floor and Szczesny out of position, Antonio Valencia fired the ball back into the middle only for the England man to turn it into his own net.
As Arsenal poured forward looking for an equaliser they left themselves badly exposed, with Wayne Rooney running through on the counter-attack to dink over substitute keeper Emiliano Martinez.
Angel Di Maria should have scored to make it 3-0, before substitute Olivier Giroud - playing in his first game since August - made it a nervy final few minutes for Louis van Gaal's team firing in a brilliant strike into the top corner.
However, United held on for a vital three points.
Scroll through our gallery to see the ratings...
Show all 24 1 /24Arsenal 1 Manchester United 2 - player ratings Arsenal 1 Manchester United 2 - player ratings Wojciech Szczesny Didn’t have to make a save before he was beaten by a delfection of his own defender having clumsily punched away – not in the same class as the likes of De Gea and Courtois. 5/10
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Arsenal 1 Manchester United 2 - player ratings Calum Chambers Another strong performance from the full-back who at the moment is appearing to be a far better value signing than his injury-prone former Southampton teammate, Luke Shaw – made a vital challenge to foil Rooney in the first half. 7
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Arsenal 1 Manchester United 2 - player ratings Per Mertesacker Wasn’t asked to do a lot of defending – made some solid headed clearances as you’d expect from him. 5
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Arsenal 1 Manchester United 2 - player ratings Nacho Monreal Rarely called into action and powerless to keep out Rooney as United overran Arsenal at the end. 5
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Arsenal 1 Manchester United 2 - player ratings Kieran Gibbs Despite his own goal he was one of Arsenal’s better performers on the day as he has been for much of the season. 7
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Arsenal 1 Manchester United 2 - player ratings Mikel Arteta A strong influence on the game as Arsenal dominated the first half but failed to maintain that high level after the break. 6
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Arsenal 1 Manchester United 2 - player ratings Jack Wilshere – Spurned a great opportunity to give his side the lead and was then fortunate to stay on the pitch after an altercation with Fellaini before going off injured early in the second half – a real mixed bag. 6
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Arsenal 1 Manchester United 2 - player ratings Aaron Ramsey On his 200th appearance for the club he failed to produce the incredible form we saw from him last season as he was outshone by his teammates. 5
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Arsenal 1 Manchester United 2 - player ratings Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain He seems to do so many things very well – he was a constant menace to the opposition whether it was his passing or direct running with the ball – the best player on the pitch. 8
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Arsenal 1 Manchester United 2 - player ratings Alexis Sanchez So often the man to dig Arsenal out of trouble this season but it wasn’t his day – put in his usual effort but couldn’t find the end product on this occasion. 6
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Arsenal 1 Manchester United 2 - player ratings Danny Welbeck Wasted a good opportunity early on but linked the play extremely well throughout and caused the inexperienced United backline a lot of problems – has to be more ruthless in front of goal. 6
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Arsenal 1 Manchester United 2 - player ratings From the bench: Olivier Giroud A positive for Arsenal fans to take from a pretty miserable day – the Frenchman marked his return from injury with a thumping strike into De Gea’s top corner. 7
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Arsenal 1 Manchester United 2 - player ratings David De Gea Kept United in the game throughout and made world-class saves from Welbeck and Wilshere, but will be disappointed to have been beaten at his near post by Giroud. 8/10
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Arsenal 1 Manchester United 2 - player ratings Chris Smalling As the senior centre-back, much of the responsibility for United’s frailty must rest with him, but he reacted well to deny Welbeck with the score at 1-0. 6
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Arsenal 1 Manchester United 2 - player ratings Paddy McNair Arsenal’s movement and quick passing exposed the young centre-back repeatedly in the first half. 5
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Arsenal 1 Manchester United 2 - player ratings Tyler Blackett Failed to cope with Oxlade-Chamberlain’s darting first-half runs, but made a timely clearance in the second half to preserve United’s lead. 6
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Arsenal 1 Manchester United 2 - player ratings Antonio Valencia Arsenal’s pressure meant he struggled to impose himself on the game from his right wing-back role, but it was his low strike that was deflected in by Gibbs for United’s opener. 6
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Arsenal 1 Manchester United 2 - player ratings Luke Shaw Limped off with an injury after 15 minutes. 5
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Arsenal 1 Manchester United 2 - player ratings Marouane Fellaini Apart from his flashpoint with Wilshere made little impact as United struggled to control the midfield. 5
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Arsenal 1 Manchester United 2 - player ratings Michael Carrick Didn’t provide his usual calming influence on the ball as United conceded the majority of possession to the hosts. 5
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Arsenal 1 Manchester United 2 - player ratings Angel Di Maria Provided United’s only threat in the first half but faded in the second, although his pass for Rooney’s goal was perfectly weighted. 7
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Arsenal 1 Manchester United 2 - player ratings Wayne Rooney Worked hard for the team in a deep-lying role without creating much, but took his goal brilliantly. 7
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Arsenal 1 Manchester United 2 - player ratings Robin van Persie Was utterly anonymous against his former club, and was replaced by James Wilson. 5
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Arsenal 1 Manchester United 2 - player ratings From the bench: Ashley Young Posed a real threat down the left after coming on for Shaw, particularly in the second half. His cross led to the first goal. 7
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