Man Utd Manchester United
2-1
Arsenal

Evra (67'), Van Persie (3')

FT(HT: 1-0)

Cazorla (90')

Build-up

Manchester United beat 10-man Arsenal to go top

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 03 November 2012

Robin van Persie and Patrice Evra score the goals as Manchester United record a 2-1 victory over Arsenal to move top of the Premier League table.

Robin van Persie scored against his former club as Manchester United recorded a 2-1 win over Arsenal at Old Trafford this afternoon.

Robin van Persie enjoys a muted celebration after scoring United's first © PA Photos

It was the home side that started the match the better, with Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia enjoying possession in the wide areas.

They took the lead after just three minutes when Van Persie struck from outside the box to score against his former club.

Arsenal began to enjoy a period of possession as they settled following the opening goal, but they struggled to create any chances of note.

The Gunners' first real opportunity of the match came after 23 minutes when Aaron Ramsey fired a low cross into the box, but David de Gea made a smart save.

United continued to create chances, however, with Wayne Rooney and Van Persie both coming close either side of the 30-minute mark in the match.

Arsene Wenger and his big puffa jacket © PA Photos

Rooney had the chance to extend United's lead from the penalty spot late in the first period, but he fired wide of the post after Santi Cazorla had handled in the area.

United had a glorious chance to add their second moments into the second period when Van Persie found Valencia in the box, but he fired wide from close range. Meanwhile, Michael Carrick also missed the target from outside the box.

Arsenal's best chance of the second period came after 54 minutes when Olivier Giroud advanced into the box, but he smashed the post from close range.

Patrice Evra celebrates scoring United's second © PA Photos

Both sides had chances during an end-to-end period in the second half, with Arsenal threatening to equalise with a number of dangerous attacks.

Van Persie had a golden chance to add United's second after 66 minutes when he collected a Young cross, but Vito Mannone made the save.

Jack Wilshere walks off the pitch while being eyed by Arsene Wenger © PA Photos

However, the home side scored from the resulting corner as Patrice Evra headed home from inside the box. It got worse for Arsenal moments later when Jack Wilshere was dismissed for a second bookable offence for a challenge on Evra.

Santi Cazorla scores for Arsenal © PA Photos

Theo Walcott might have opened Arsenal's scoring with an effort after 76 minutes, but he fired wide of the target. United had a third ruled offside from Anderson 10 minutes from time.

Arsenal added a late consolation through Cazorla in the final moments, but it was not enough to hand Arsenal a point.