Keane returns for ultimate battle

Roy Keane returned from suspension to lock horns with Patrick Vieira as Arsenal faced Manchester United at Highbury tonight.

Keane was joined in midfield by Paul Scholes and Darren Fletcher, with Phil Neville, Quinton Fortune and John O’Shea dropping to the bench, while Mikael Silvestre also replaced Wes Brown.

With Ruud van Nistelrooy injured and Louis Saha on the bench, Wayne Rooney was left to lead the attack on his own, with Ryan Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo outside him.

Rooney incurred the wrath of Arsenal last October when he was accused of going down too easily to win a penalty as United brought the Gunners’ 49-game unbeaten league run to an end.

Both sides tonight needed victory to keep their title hopes alive and Arsenal were at least able to recall Dennis Bergkamp, Robert Pires, Ashley Cole, Lauren and Manuel Almunia.

Kolo Toure was nevertheless still ruled out through suspension, with Pascal Cygan continuing to partner Sol Campbell in central defence.