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In one way or another, Van Persie is still the focus, the red thread throughout the decisive match of round 10 of the Premier League on Saturday night.

Arsenal’s new captain – Vermaelen – gave the old captain now on the other side of the line – Van Persie – the opening goal.

Vermaelen, who inherited the captain’s armband after Van Persie’s departure and is Arsenal’s most reliable stopper, was in a very favorable position to block a cross from MU right-back Rafael.

That early goal created an important turning point in the match.

For Arsenal, despite being successful in preventing the tragedy of last season’s 2-8 loss at Old Trafford from recurring, the early defeat clearly had a very negative impact on the psychology of the London team.

Van Persie’s friendly hug and smile when he approached Wenger to shake hands at the end of the match seemed to add salt to the pain of Arsenal fans, who had to witness this idol of the not-so-distant past being tortured many times.

Wenger smiled wryly as he shook hands with his former student after the match.

When he couldn’t find another goal for himself, Van Persie still had an important voice in the situation when MU doubled the score in the 67th minute, extinguishing all hopes of Arsenal earning points.

Van Persie’s brilliance on Saturday night also helped MU overcome the disappointment of Rooney.

Arsenal’s disappointment is even greater when looking at the names that coach Wenger expects to share responsibility and fill the void left by Van Persie.

Cazorla scored, but still disappointed.

In addition to failure and having to witness their old idol shine on the other side of the front line, Arsenal’s sadness was doubled when they became the stepping stone that brought MU to the top of the table for the first time since the beginning of this season.

Squad:

MAN UTD: De Gea – Rafael, Ferdinand, Evans, Evra – Valencia (Nani 82), Carrick, Cleverley (Anderson 61), Young – Rooney – Van Persie.

Subs not used: Lindegaard, Hernandez, Scholes, Powell, Wootton.

Yellow card: Young, Cleverley, Anderson, Rooney, Van Persie

Goals: Van Persie 3, Evra 67

ARSENAL: Mannone – Sagna, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Andre Santos – Arteta, Wilshere, Cazorla – Ramsey (Walcott 52), Giroud, Podolski (Arshavin 81).

Unused substitutes: Martinez, Koscielny, Coquelin, Jenkinson, Chamakh.

Yellow card: Arteta, Arshavin

Indirect red card: Wilshere

Goal: Cazorla 90’+4

Referee: Mike Dean.

Phuong Minh