Wayne Rooney scored once and dished out an assist to help Manchester United beat arch-rivals Arsenal 2-0 at Old Trafford on Sunday and keep Premiership leaders Chelsea in sight. Rooney ghosted behind his marker Philippe Senderos shortly after the break to open the score line before he fed Korean international Park Ji-Sung to seal the victory. Manchester are second on 75 points, seven behind title holders Chelsea, who thrashed West Ham United 4-1 earlier on Sunday. The defeat was just another setback for Arsenal's domestic campaign as they are placed sixth on 53 points, five adrift of city rivals Tottenham who hold fourth spot that qualifies to the UEFA Champions League. Arsenal looked uninspired without captain Thierry Henry whom coach Arsene kept on the bench and opted for a surprising striking partnership, fielding both Emmanuel Adebayor and Robin Van Persie. Manchester coach Alex Ferguson also made his own changes when he played with Ruud Van Nistelrooy instead of regular starter Luis Saha alongside Rooney.
Toure blocks the shot Both sides began in attacking styles with Manchester strikers looking more dangerous and forcing Arsenal keeper Jens Lehmann into action more than once. The home side were denied what appeared to be a clear penalty-kick when Arsenal defender Kolo Toure palmed away a powerful shot from Rooney after the latter rounded Lehmann and fired towards a net only guarded by Senderos. Rooney broke the deadlock nine minutes after re-start when he controlled a neat cross from Mikael Silvestre before sending an ice-cool finish past Lehmann. Wenger called Henry for action then threw Frederick Ljungberg into the fray in an attempt to level but it was Manchester who scored again thanks to a great effort from Rooney. The England striker outpaced the helpless Senderos down the right and crossed on the floor for the darting Park who managed to connect with the ball before challenger Emmanuel Eboue to poke home.
