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Hargreaves free-kick sinks Gunners' title aspirations

13/04/2008

Owen Hargreaves has ended Arsenal's title hopes by scoring the winning goal in Manchester United's 2-1 victory over the north London side.

Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann was rendered a spectator by the well-placed free-kick which Hargreaves had chipped over the wall.

The Gunners may feel hard done by having played a full part in a pulsating match at Old Trafford, but in the end United created the better chances and deserved their victory.

Arsenal went ahead when Emmanuel Adebayor bundled the ball home from close range at the start of the second half. Although there was much debate about the goal as he appeared to get the final touch with his arm.

Unfortunately for Arsene Wenger his side again proved unable to hold on to a lead and United were level six minutes later.

William Gallas handled in the area, allowing Cristiano Ronaldo the chance to equalise from the penalty spot. However, his first attempt was ruled out for encroachment and he was forced to face Lehmann a second time.

The Portuguese star stopped halfway into his run up, fooling the German keeper, and sent the ball into the unguarded side of the net.

Arsenal continued to press forward and were unlucky not to retake the lead when Gael Clichy's cross deflected off Wes Brown and struck the base of the post.

Lehmann, who was in superb form having replaced Manuel Almunia in the Gunners' goal, then produced a fine save to deny Wayne Rooney as United pushed for a winner.

United eventually found the breakthrough they desired when a foul on the edge of the box on Patrice Evra gave the home side the chance to threaten Lehmann's goal.

Unusually Ronaldo stepped aside in favour of Hargreaves and he repaid that faith with an unstoppable shot which the winger himself would have been proud of.

Arsenal continued to pressurise United's defence in search of a vital goal to keep their title hopes alive but found Edwin van der Sar equal to their efforts.

United are now six points clear of Chelsea, who face Wigan tomorrow, while Arsenal are now nine points adrift with four games left.