ARSENAL

1. Jens Lehmann

A so-so performance between the sticks for the man signed in the summer from Borussia Dortmund. Looked a little flustered at times as he came rushing out of his penalty area but was not to blame for Silvestre's goal, for which he was left totally exposed.

12. Lauren

Had a reasonable game at right-back. wasn't happy when his centre-backs allowed Silvestre all the time and space in the world to score United's goal. Was one of the more surprising penalty takers in the shoot-out, though he did cored.



23. Sol Campbell

Was part of the poorly organised Arsenal defence which allowed Silvestre to score so easily but otherwise was his usual strong and speedy self, especially when closing down Solskjaer in the first half, just as the Norweigan looked set to score.



28. Kolo Toure

With a number of eyes firmly fixed on him, Toure did well coping with the pressure of partnering Campbell in the centre of the Arsenal defence. Firm in the tackle and quick to sweep up any danger, though he was beaten for pace by Giggs when the Welshman chipped Lehmann just before half time.

3. Ashley Cole

The England man received a yellow card within the first two minutes for fouling Butt but had a decent enough game. His characteristic forward bursts were there as usual and he made no real mistakes at the back.



15. Ray Parlour

Workmanlike performance in the centre of the park. Decent tackling and some smart passing in midfield, though in general Arsenal's play was far less fluid than normal. Came off at half-time.

4. Patrick Vieira

A tower of strength as usual in the heart of midfield, though arguably he was beaten by Keane in their personal tussle for dominance of the game. Still key to everything Arsenal do, he looked to be ready for the season ahead.



19. Gilberto

No goal-scoring heroics this time and the Brazilian's performance was punctuated by occasionally sloppy distribution, needlessly giving away possession to United.




8. Freddie Ljungberg

So often the hero at Cardiff, Freddie was quiet by his exceptionally high standards. At times he looked somewhat isolated on Arsenal's wing and unable to really get into the game. managed to get through the United back-line once, but couldn't really connect on a header which Howard gathered easily.


14. Thierry Henry

The Frenchman's performance was nowhere near what he is capable of but, in one sublime moment, his sensational 30-yard free-kick curved round United defensive wall to beat Howard and level at 1-1 after 20 minutes. A truly outstanding goal. Always willing to move out to the wings to pick up the ball, it looks as though Henry will be giving Premiership defences more headaches in the season ahead.

10. Dennis Bergkamp

Didn't really see much of the ball for the first part of the first half and, in truth, made only a minor impression on the match. Arsene Wenger left him on after half-time and brought Henry off at the interval.

Substitutes:

7. Robert Pires (for Parlour, 45)

Lively and added a new dimension to Arsenal's sometimes flat play. Wasted great opening when only came up with a tame, off-target flick. Crucial penalty saved.

11. Sylvain Wiltord (for Henry, 45)

Ran hard up front but unable to really impose himself on contest. Scored his penalty.

9. Francis Jeffers (for Bergkamp, 60)

On field for only fourteen minutes then had 50-50 challenge with Neville. The England international reacted badly by kicking a prostrate Neville and was sent-off.

17. Edu (for Gilberto, 60)

Satisfactory game when given his chance. Nothing spectacular though. Scored his spot-kick.

16. Giovanni van Bronckhorst (for Ljungberg, 65)

Always eager to get involved, although his involvement was limited. Spot-kick saved.

MANCHESTER UNITED

14. Tim Howard

Could be said to have been called out by Henry's goal after 20 minutes but in truth any goalkeeper in the world would have struggled with the Frenchman's brilliantly hit strike. Importantly for Sir Alex, Howard looks to be comfortable at dealing with crosses and is a decent shot-stopper too.

3. Phil Neville

Neville had a solid enough game operating at right-back. Supplied the cross for Giggs to head onto the post but was booked within the first 30 seconds for a foul on Vieira.

5. Rio Ferdinand

Sven would have been pleased with his man's performance - Rio looked to be ready and raring to go for the new season. Was never really in any trouble and when called on to take a penalty he scored.




27. Mikael Silvestre

Energetic performance. Arrived at far post to nod home fourth goal of United career after 15 minutes.

25. Quinton Fortune

Reliable at the back and always appeared in control. Useful attacking impetus as well.

20. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Always eager to break forward and was one of United's most influential forces in the final third of the park. Solskjaer always seemed to offer himself to other midfielders and got away a number of shots though none of them seriously threatened lehmann's goal.



16. Roy Keane

As ever so important to Ferguson's game plan. He and Vieira had a great battle throughout the afternoon and it would probably be fair to say that he edged out the Arsenal man. Supplied the flick-on from Giggs' corner for Silvestre to score his goal.



8. Nicky Butt

The World Cup star was strong in the middle of the park and was rather unlucky to give away the free-kick from which Henry scored his wonderful 30-yard equaliser.

18. Paul Scholes

Probably shaded it as United's man of the match - very impressive in the centre of the United midfield. He charged into tackles and, most notably, produced clever distribution, especially pinged passes whistling out to Solskjaer on the right. Scored his penalty.



10. Ruud van Nistelrooy

A willing runner up front, as always. Came close to scoring, heading against top of bar when Giggs' header rebounded from post and also inches away from tucking home Giggs cross. Saw his penalty brilliantly saved.



11. Ryan Giggs

Playing upfront with van Nistelrooy but also dropping wide onto both flanks, the Welsh winger was full of energy and at the centre of many dangerous United attacks. Delivered corner for Silvestre's opener and got faintest touch on Neville cross to hit post.



Substitutes

19. Eric Djemba-Djemba (for Butt, 60)

Looked a real handful in his first competitive game for the Red Devils. Full of running and with plenty of tricks up his sleeve. A great signing by Sir Alex Ferguson.

22. John O'Shea (for Fortune, 69)

Average game by the substitute, without any real opportunity to impress.

21. Diego Forlan (for Neville, 79)

Lively but had no real chance to shine up front. Scored from the spot.

by James Wright

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