Theo Walcott forced Tyler Blackett to commit a late own goal as Arsenal grabbed a point at Manchester United after a fine second-half performance. The Gunners fell behind on the half-hour mark as Ander Herrera ghosted in to volley in at the far post.

Match Report – Wenger’s Comment – Players’ Rating

1. FA Cup Anniversary.

Arsenal marked their one year anniversary of winning the 2014 FA Cup by visiting the Red Devils in Manchester. By this time last year, there was joy in heaven that Arsenal had finally won a trophy after so many years in the wilderness of no trophy. I doubt any of the players remembered the FA Cup final but Ramsey put up a final-like display to pick out Walcott for the goal.

2. Olivier, Theo and Victor.

Thiery Henry seem to have cast a spell on his countryman Olivier Giroud. Since he proclaimed that Arsenal need more than Giroud to win the Premier League, the Frenchman have been in the wilderness searching for goals. he has been poor and hos touches have been awful. His magical flicks have turned to smoke flakes and his confidence is fast deserting him. How will Giroud get his scoring boots back?

On the other hand, Wenger introduced Jack Wilshere and Theo James Walcott. The latter was involved in the equalizing goal although after showing great signs of lost form and confused pace. To be fair on Blackett, that was intended for a cross but the ball felt, he could reward debutant Valdes with a weird goal. How long have Valdes sat on United’s bench. Before he could face a shot, he had already conceded a goal. With De Gea almost in the whites of Madrid, what will be fate of Victor Valdes?

3. Arsenal Crossed.

Arsenal have conceded just 8 goals since losing to Monaco in the UEFA Champions league. 13 games have been played since then and that is about 0.62 goals/game. But 7 of the 8 goals have been scored off crosses. Young’s cross to Herrera resulted to United’s opening goals. Can the gunners do better to prevent those crosses? can they defend those crosses? Gomis’ goal comes in mind.

4. The Fourth Placed Trophy.

Arsenal’s loss to Swansea at the Emirates added another twist to the final chase of the season. No one wants to finish 4th and 2nd won’t be a bad idea. Manchester City seem to have locked up 2nd place thanks to goals from Toure and Bony. A win for United may have given them hope of finishing 3rd but Arsene Wenger took a giant step in handing over the 4th placed trophy to LVG with that late equalizer. Sure, LVG will be so grateful to win a trophy in England in his first year. There are no 3rd placed trophies. Ask Wenger.

5. Others

Arsenal took zero shots in the first half. The last time they had zero shots in a league game was a 2-1 loss to Liverpool in 2004. The gunners took 5 shots in the second half, with 3 on target.

The Gunners need just 2 points from their next two games – two home games. First against Sunderland on Wednesday night.

Till then, enjoy this post from Goonerdaily on the Lord – Lord Bendtner to Feature at the Emirates Cup this Summer