By Max Margate War Correspondent
December 1 2004

My dad always used to say that if they banned football, horseracing and booze we would see a revolution in this country. When an amazing 67000 turn up for a reserve match, and with all the press hype for it, I can’t help thinking he had a point.

First Half

Man U started the game with only one man up front, but an awful error by Justin Hoyte gave Bellion an early shot on goal which Almunia should have done far better with. One nil with only twenty seconds gone, its hard to imagine a worse start.

Arsenal were then under sustained pressure from the home team. Arsenal did get back into the game but were always at risk from a side made confident by an early lead.

Five minutes from time Pennant went close with a free kick.

Second Half

Van Persie and Richardson clash, Van Persie’s arm flailed towards Richardson, the Man U player retaliated. Referee Halsey gives both a yellow much to disappointment of several pundits who wanted Van Persie sent off. Arsenal survived the resulting free kick. As the game progressed the youngsters became more confident and even put pressure on the Man U goal. Meanwhile Man U players try to wind up Van Persie by constantly fouling him. The experience of the Man U back four restricted the chances that the Arsenal forwards could take advantage of. The team clearly missed an experienced player to settle them down. At an average age of 19 they were not quite capable of stepping up a gear.

With 15 minutes to go Arsenal put the Man U defence under pressure with two corners in a row. In the 87^th minute Howard was furious with his own defence for allowing Van Persie a free shot that was easily saved. Man U fans begin to drift out as the anticipated goal fest never materialised. Man U away was a bridge to far for the Gunner's youth team, but the result was no disgrace.

  One bright spot was that Clichy had a fine game in defence, hopefully Ashley will be able to have a much needed rest. Or could Clichy be a midfield option?

Arsenal: Manuel Almunia, Justin Hoyte, Mathieu Flamini, Philippe Senderos, Gael Clichy, Johan Djourou, Sebastian Larsson, Arturo Lupoli, Quincy, Jermaine Pennant, Danny Karbassiyoon, Robin Van Persie

Substitute Ryan Smith for Lupoli, Pat Cregg for Larsson, Karbassiyoon replaces Clichy.

Man U: Howard Neville Brown O`Shea Fortune Eagles Djemba-Djemba Miller Richardson Kleberson Bellion.Substitutes used: Rossi and Jones.

Max Margate War Correspondent Embedded in Alex Ferguson's Nose, News at Ten