Arsenal 1 Manchester United 1 match report: Robin Van Persie penalty earns United draw Robin Van Persie scored a first-half penalty on his return to Arsenal to earn Manchester United a 1-1 draw at Emirates Stadium. The 29-year-old scored from the spot after he was fouled by Bacary Sagna to cancel out Theo Walcott's second-minute opener. Van Persie, who joined United in a £24million deal from Arsenal last August, was the centre of attention on what proved to be a frustrating day for his former side. The result leaves Arsenal in fourth place, two points ahead of Tottenham and one behind Chelsea having played a game more than both. The pre-match formalities were well observed. Van Persie emerged last from the tunnel as Arsenal formed a guard of honour in recognition of United's title triumph, confirmed with last Monday's 3-0 success over Aston Villa. United appeared to be suffering something of a hangover as Arsenal dictated play early on. Tomas Rosicky threaded a pass in behind Patrice Evra in the second minute for Theo Walcott, who darted past United's full-back and beat David De Gea from close range. Replays suggested he was offside but despite the injustice, United struggled to wake from their slumber. Phil Jones was booked for a foul on Mikel Arteta before he headed wide from Van Persie's left-wing cross. Rafael, Van Persie and Jonny Evans followed into referee Phil Dowd's notebook as the game became fractious. Arsenal looked more dangerous in possession and were working much harder without it yet United created the better opportunities. Van Persie forced Wojciech Szczesny into a smart save to deny his header from point-blank range before Jones headed Antonio Valencia's cross into the ground and wide. It was inevitable that Van Persie would make a telling contribution. Sagna gifted United possession and then slid in recklessly on Van Persie in the box. After a brief delay, the Dutchman steadied himself to hit an emphatic penalty past Szczesny. The visiting supporters sung his name in jubilation but Van Persie opted not to celebrate. Confidence began to evaporate a little from Arsenal after the interval. Van Persie sent over a dangerous cross from the left that narrowly missed defenders and attackers alike before Wayne Rooney headed Nani's centre straight at Szczesny. Sagna was fortunate to stay on the pitch after sliding in late on Patrice Evra before Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger turned to Jack Wilshere and then Gervinho to reinvigorate the home side. United were set up to play on the counter attack while Arsenal were wary of overcommitting bodies forward for that very reason and the second half meandered as a result. Wenger was incensed by Dowd's decision not to award a penalty for Rio Ferdinand's clumsy challenge on Kieran Gibbs before De Gea was required to push away Santi Cazorla's long range drive. Rooney released substitute Ryan Giggs, whose right foot shot was deflected wide but time ran out for either side to find a winner.