Arsenal demonstrated just why they are genuine Premiership contenders this season with a clinical 2-1 win over Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

Manager Arsene Wenger will take heart from this display which came on the back of some ordinary performances that saw the Gunners draw 4-4 against Tottenham and lose to new boys Stoke City.

Emmanuel Adebayor was out injured and Robin van Persie was suspended for this game, but the young Gunners side gave their boss a perfect response after he had expressed disbelief at their surrender to Stoke.

The game had plenty of drama as Mikael Silvestre's backpass was collected by Almunia, while the referee waved played on when Gary Neville and Gael Clichy appeared to unintentionally handle the ball in the area. Berbatov had an early chance and managed to find the net only to be ruled offside. Nicklas Bendtner had a clear chance at the other end, but headed well over.

Wayne Rooney had a chance to put the Red Devils ahead when he received a pull-back pass from Ronaldo, but the England ace was unable to find the target. On 22 minutes Samir Nasri broke the deadlock after Patrice Evra fouled Bacary Sagna on the right side.

However United continued to press forward without luck and went into the break trailing by a goal. The deficit was doubled three minutes after the restart when Nasri deposited a volley beyond Van Der Sar to give the Gunners a two-goal cushion.

Cristiano Ronaldo had a golden chance to pull one back, but his finish was wild. Gunners keeper Almunia was clattered by Carrick when they both went for the ball and had to be replaced by Lukasz Fabianski in the final 10 minutes.

United managed to pull one back with minutes left as Rafael volleyed into the goal, but Arsenal held on to secure a famous win.