David Luiz at the heart of Arsenal's growth spurt 

OUT OF REACH: Manchester United talisman Bruno Fernandes gets a shot on goal away as Arsenal defender David Luiz moves in to challenge in Saturday’s Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium. Picture: Sean Botterill/PA

The 234th match between these clubs was one of those rare goalless occasions when we witnessed goalkeepers and defenders punching the air with the glee of a glory goalscorer. United were Newton Heath and faced Woolwich Arsenal in their historic first encounter back in 1894.

That year, coincidentally, was when Arsenal defender David Luiz took his first footballing steps. Well, not quite as Luiz is not 34 until April – it just feels like he has been playing forever. And, unlike the quality of the matches between these famous old rivals, he seems to be getting better with age.