Arsenal 2-1 Manchester United

A Samir Nasri double secured Arsenal a 2-1 win over champions Manchester United in a pulsating Premier League clash at the Emirates.

Nasri gave the Gunners the lead after 22 minutes when United failed to deal with a corner, the ball landing at the feet of the France winger whose low drive took a deflection off Gary Neville to wrong-foot Edwin van der Sar.

United could have had at least three in the first half but poor finishing from Wayne Rooney, in particular, let the visitors down while Gael Clichy was fortunate not to concede a penalty after the ball struck his hand following a cross from the England striker.

The Gunners extended their lead two minutes after the break when a brilliant through-ball from Cesc Fabregas found Nasri with time and space to slam the ball past van der Sar from 20 yards as the United defence was founding wanting.

Sir Alex Ferguson's continued to push Arsenal all the way and got one back a minute before the end when an excellent Rafael volley halved the deficit. However, Arsene Wenger's team hung on for the six minutes of added on time to silence the critics and take all three points.