Arsenal v Manchester United: player ratings Thomas Vermaelen Needed a late fitness test to be sure his calf was sufficiently healed. Helped improve Arsenal's defence but was partially culpable for the first goal. Alex Song Survived a first-half penalty appeal when Rooney clearly seemed to exaggerate contact, but struggled to disrupt United's slick midfield passing. Aaron Ramsey Broke forward dangerously on several occasions but his finishing and final ball were wayward. United also won the battle in central midfield. Theo Walcott Inter-changed with Oxlade-Chamberlain between the left and right wing but looks short of confidence and wasted one inviting first-half chance. Tomas Rosicky Was among Arsenal's most creative players. Provided Van Persie with an outstanding second-half chance and had a goalbound shot blocked by Evra. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain Fully justified his place in the team. Created a good first-half opportunity for Walcott and produced an excellent assist for Van Persie's equaliser. Robin van Persie Took his goal superbly but wasted another inviting chance and was unusually anonymous for long periods of the match. Manchester United Anders Lindegaard Preferred to David de Gea in the Manchester United goal and, although rarely tested by Arsenal, appeared assured and confident. Phil Jones Twisted his ankle while adjusting his footing under pressure from Theo Walcott and left the field on a stretcher after only 17 minutes. Chris Smalling Fortunate not to be punished after he was caught in possession by Rosicky but made a series of important late headers to help preserve United's lead. Jonny Evans Began the game with an important interception to deny Van Persie and ended it with a goal-line clearance from Mertesacker. Patrice Evra Was given occasional moments of difficulty by Oxlade-Chamberlain but his overlapping caused Arsenal huge problems down the left. Michael Carrick Rarely conceded possession and, with Giggs, formed the base from which Manchester United were able to dominate large periods of the game. Ryan Giggs Worked well in central midfield with Carrick but also provided glimpses of his brilliant wing-play of old, notably with a precise cross for United's first. Antonia Valencia Timed his run perfectly to dart inside Vermaelen for the first goal and then produced a wonderful run forward to create United's second. Wayne Rooney Dropped between the defence and midfield to cause constant problems for Arsenal but appeared to go down very easily for his first-half penalty appeal. Nani His direct running effectively persuaded Wenger to substitute Djourou at half-time and he also forced an excellent near-post save from Szczesny. Danny Welbeck His work-rate and running off the ball was impressive, but his finishing was erratic until he scored United's 81st minute winner.