United have put the sword to Arsenal with a stunning performance of counter-attacking football and some excellent individual displays. It was a performance of experience which stopped the Arsenal attacking play in it's tracks.

The Game

The first half belonged to United as they ripped Arsenal to pieces with some brilliant counter-attacking play. The first goal however, came from some unbelievable individual play from Nani to five United the lead. Then came a stunning counter-attack which brought home memories of that game against Le Arse in last years Champions League semi-final. It was a goal you will want to see time and time again.

Nani

In the last three game we have spoke about Nani's performance and again we cannot leave the Portuguese Winger out of a great performance. The first-half belonged to Nani as he terrorized Clichy with his skill and pace. He had a less momentous second-half but nevertheless it was a man of the match performance.

If your like me you'll be picking yourself up off the floor after doing a head first dive across my own living or you might just do the sensible thing and get yourself over to Simplyreds to watch the highlights of the game. Don't worry, we're one the case as we speak because this is a game you will want to see time and time again.

The Game

United deserved the victory in both legs and today was a result to make amends for the first leg. United had the majority of possession but in the first half it was City who looked the most threatening.

The Game in a flash

United go top of the league thanks to four goals from Wazza and a great performance Nani.

United could have had 6 or 7 goals but Hull City also had their chances to get a goal. For 82 minutes fans were on the edge of the seats willing United to get that second goal.

There was only going to be one man to step up to the plate. Rooney got a second and then went on a mad rally and bagged himself four goals by the time the whistle was blown.

Just to remind those dejected fans with their heads in their hands, there is a second leg to come. City will come to Old Trafford and we'll some them that no erroneous referee will stand in our way of handing them a footballing lesson.

The first point is that United played well no matter how frustrated you may be looking at the scoreline. For the majority of the first half, United passed and controlled the game with ease. United certainly looked like they wanted it more.

Five goals, clean sheet and another three points. It's a perfect finish to a pretty good year for United and the fans. It's also a fitting gift for Sir Alex Ferguson, who turns 68 on Thursday.

Rooney gave another immense performance and again he start off the scoring which then opened the floodgates. Rooney got the first, Carrick scored the second and young Rafael placed the ball to get United's third before half-time. Berbatov then got his name on the scoresheet and Valencia finished off a fine performance with an excellent finish in the corner of the net.

Valencia has been criticized for his performances this season after failing the impossible job of replacing Ronaldo. However, tonight was a fine example of how good he really is. Valencia and Rafael gave Figueroa a night to forget as they linked together in some mesmerizing moves.

After the defeat last week and Chelsea's draw yesterday, it was just about getting the three points in the bag today. United managed to battle their way to victory, which puts them only two points off that top spot.

United dominated possession for most of the first half but it was Hull that looked the likely team to score. They threatened the United goal on several occasions as United looked really sloppy. Giggs, Berbatov and Rooney were all guilty of giving the ball away far too often in the final third.

However, on the stroke of half-time Fletcher found himself with time to make a fantastic cross in the box, which found it's way to Rooney. A simple tap-in and United led going into half-time which maybe saved the players from getting the hairdryer treatment.