Arsenal v Manchester United - in pictures

Arsène Wenger's Arsenal may have fallen short in their bid for the title, but the Gunners know they can at least dent the prospects of United. Perhaps that's why Wenger is smiling so much before kick-off Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

Arsenal make a lively start and keep possession in the first half. Here, Samir Nasri escapes Fabio da Silva as Arsenal make the better start Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

In one of the clearest chances of the half, Theo Walcott races on to a Robin van Persie whipped-in cross ... Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

... but the England international has to stretch beyond his capabilities, causing his shot to rise over the bar Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

Aaron Ramsey, who, incidentally, chose Arsenal rather than United when transferring from Cardiff City, surges into the United box past Rio Ferdinand but can't find the net Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

There are no shortage of firm tackles today. Here, Patrice Evra is the recipient of an unforgiving challenge from Alex Song Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

England team-mates Wayne Rooney and Jack Wilshere race for the ball on the left flank – the former fouling the latter in his desperation to claim possession Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

United aren't having much joy. Javier Hernández is simultaneously out-numbered and dwarfed by Arsenal's defence Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

Just after the half-hour mark, Nemanja Vidic handles a dangerous cross from Walcott as it flashes past him from the right wing. The Serbian defender clearly tips the ball out of the path of Robin van Persie, but the referee and linesman somehow fail to notice it Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

Van Persie is incensed and gives the linesman an earful Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

Arsenal eventually get the goal their play deserves when, in the 56th minute, Ramsey deftly steers a first-time shot into the far corner of the net following Van Persie's cute cut-back Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

United are growing frustrated and, predictably, it leads to a bit of handbags Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

Evra goes down in the box under a challenge from Theo Walcott ... Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

But the referee makes it clear he's not interested Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

Alex Ferguson is outraged three minutes from time when substitute Michael Owen is cut down by Gaël Clichy as he sprints into the box. That's another good penalty appeal which the ref has ignored – one apiece now Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

The final whistle blows and Arsenal are victorious. But how much sweeter would this victory have been had they not fluffed their title chances in recent weeks? Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

Meanwhile, Rooney wears a looks of concern. United's lead at the top of the table remains three points, but they no longer have games in hand over Chelsea. Worse still, defeat to Chelsea at Old Trafford next weekend would see the Londonders leapfrog them in the table. An anxious match awaits Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian