Arsenal out-gun United

Arsenal have secured a one-goal win over Manchester United.

FT: Arsenal 1 Manchester United 0

Arsenal blew the Barclays Premier League title race wide open after finally finding the character of champions to beat leaders Manchester United 1-0 at Emirates Stadium.

Aaron Ramsey’s second-half goal – his first since January 2010 – saw United’s lead remain at just three points from Chelsea, whom they face next week at Old Trafford.

Arsenal may have seen their own title ambitions extinguished following a run of draws, but at least gave their frustrated fans renewed hope next season might just be different.

United sent on Berbatov, replacing Hernandez, and had another free-kick in a dangerous position following Ramsey’s needless handball. Szczesny, though, was right behind Rooney’s flick.

The young Pole then made an impressive save at the near post after Nani was played in by a quick-break from Rooney.

With 12 minutes left, Walcott was replaced by Emmanuel Eboue, who on his last appearance here conceded a stoppage-time penalty against Liverpool.

Van Persie chipped the ball across goal after breaking down the left as Arsenal looked for a killer second goal.

United sent on Michael Owen, for midfielder Michael Carrick, in the final seven minutes.

The former England midfielder was screaming for a penalty when he looked to have been tripped by Clichy, but again the officials were unmoved.

Arsenal closed out four minutes of stoppage time to claim a victory which was probably greeted with just as loud a cheer across in west London.