• Arsenal 1-2 Manchester United

Tactics were a risk, says Van Gaal

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal always felt Arsenal would eventually prove vulnerable at the back after his side completed a smash-and-grab raid at the Emirates.

United recorded their first away victory under Van Gaal, winning 2-1 after weathering an early onslaught from Arsenal, when goalkeeper David De Gea saved a one-on-one chance from Jack Wilshere.

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The second half started with a bizarre own goal from defender Kieran Gibbs, who had clattered into goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny. Arsenal's keeper was forced off with a hip problem, which helped turn the momentum for United. Captain Wayne Rooney clipped home a late second goal on the break as Arsenal were exposed on the counter.

Although Olivier Giroud, back from three months out with a broken foot, reduced the deficit with a 20-yard drive in stoppage-time, there was to be no grandstand finale to prevent Arsenal slipping to a second straight Premier League defeat.

Chris Smalling helped steer inexperienced defenders Paddy McNair and Tyler Blackett through the match, and Van Gaal believes United's tactics were proved to be spot-on.

"That is why I play this formation because now I have to play with two young defenders," Van Gaal said.

"Yes, it was a risk, but I was sure that Arsenal wants to attack and to press us, then, you know that Arsenal is giving a lot of space away.

"And then Mertesacker and our friend Monreal has to defend. That is why I put Di Maria against Mertesacker and Van Persie against Monreal, that is why I changed for Wilson, more pace.

"That is what you are thinking in advance of a match and when it is ending like this, you can be happy."

The win moved United, who next take on Hull at Old Trafford on Saturday, back up to fourth, while Arsenal fall to eighth.

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