Premier League: Manchester United v Arsenal - in pictures

With United's summer signing bagging six Premier League goals so far this season, it's no wonder that the United fans have taken to Robin Van Persie Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Observer

The Arsenal mascot is outnumbered on the pitch ahead of kick-off Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Observer

It's not just the United fans who love RVP there's still a number of Arsenal players, such as Andre Santos, who still have a soft spot for their former team-mate Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Observer

Make that seven goals. Just two minutes in, Van Persie pounces after Thomas Vermaelen makes a hash of his attempted clearance and the former Arsenal striker threads a magnificent first time effort into the bottom corner. RVP downplayed his celebrations out of respect to his former club and his reaction is more of an apology to the Arsenal fans he scored in front of Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Observer

However that doesn't stop his team-mates from celebrating the opener Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Observer

Robin Van Persie is applauded by the home fans as he walks to take a corner Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Observer

On the stroke of half-time, referee Mike Dean gives a penalty for handball after Ashley Young's cross strikes the hand of Santi Cazorla after the Arsenal defender put them up to protect himself. Rules are rules Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Observer

Wayne Rooney steps up...and drags his penalty wide of the goal. United go in at half-time only one-up Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Observer

After being booked in the 14th minute for a totally pointless swipe from behind on Tom Cleverley, Jack Wilshere upends Robin van Persie. He'll need to stop if he's to stay on the pitch Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Observer

Robin Van Persie skips past a Lukas Podolski challenge Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Observer

Just past the hour, the ball's worked out to Rooney, who from the left curls a peach of a cross for Evra to guides a header effort into the bottom left-hand corner. That second goal has been coming and is no more than the home side deserve Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Observer

Just two minutes later, things go from bad to worse for the visitors when Jack Wilshere gets his second yellow card and an early bath, after after stepping on Patrice Evra's ankle Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Observer

The home side threaten again but Mannone dives at the feet of Vermaelen and Nani to snuff out the danger Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Observer

Rafael da Silva is fouled by Santos and Andrei Arshavin Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Observer

Robin Van Persie is fouled by Mikel Arteta Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Observer

In the dying seconds, Santi Cazorla fires the ball into the top corner for a consolation goal, but it's too little too late as the final whistle goes. United's 2-1 victory puts them on top of the table for the first time this season, but Arsene Wenger - seen here bending the ear of the 4th official Phil Dowd - can legitimately complain only about his team's dismal performance Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Observer