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Are Arsenal destined to suffer yet another season of near misses?

Does Manchester United's unconvincing performance against Arsenal take the gloss off their victory?
Wayne Rooney of Manchester United celebrates Abou Diaby's own-goal.
Wayne Rooney of Manchester United celebrates Abou Diaby's own-goal. Photograph: Tom Purslow/Man Utd via Getty Images

There are two ways for Gunners' fans to look at Manchester United's victory this evening. They could argue Arsenal were unlucky. Abou Diaby scored a freak own goal. Manuel Almunia's rush of blood gave away an unnecessary penalty. Chances to bury the game went begging, and they had a last-minute goal disallowed (correctly) for off-side.

But you also might argue that it's no accident tonight was another Arsenal near miss. The semi-final defeats, the fourth place finishes, the five years without a trophy, might it just be that their young stars just aren't quite there? Was their defeat more than bad luck? Are Arsenal's psychological wobbles firmly entrenched.

Take away the three points, however, and how happy should Manchester United fans be? Their team were outpassed and outplayed. Yes, Manchester United are traditionally slow starters. Yes, the season is still young, but it's already obvious that the problems Manchester United had in midfield in the Champions' League final last season weren't all down to Barcelona's brilliance. Can Ryan Giggs still cut it? Can Nani rise to the challenge? Has Antonio Valencia ever had it?

It all boils down to this: in an early season game between title rivals is it just the three points that matter or does the quality of performance offer a more reliable guide to where these teams will finish?

Unleash the hounds.

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