Welsh midfielder Ramsey scores through the outstretched legs of Michael Carrick
By Phil McNulty
Chief football writer at the Emirates Stadium
Arsenal blew the Premier League title race wide open as leaders Manchester United were deservedly beaten at the Emirates Stadium.
Aaron Ramsey's winner early in the second half condemned United to defeat and leaves them only three points ahead of Chelsea with identical goal difference - and a meeting between the two to come at Old Trafford next Sunday.
Forced to rebuild his promising career after suffering a broken leg, Ramsey made the most of a chance to deputise for injured captain Cesc Fabregas with a goal that will have been met with almost as much joy at Stamford Bridge as it was in front of Arsenal's fans.
Victory was well-earned reward for their superiority against a United side that never looked like repeating the heroics of their Champions League semi-final first leg victory against Schalke 04 on Tuesday in Germany.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger must have thought the fates had conspired against him when they were denied a clear first-half penalty after Nemanja Vidic handled Theo Walcott's cross.
Arsenal will keep fighting - Wenger
But the game concluded with United manager Sir Alex Ferguson angry at referee Chris Foy after substitute Michael Owen was hauled down in the area by Gael Clichy in the closing moments, only to have his appeals ignored.
It is a win that has probably come too late to revive Arsenal's own title aspirations, but one which gives Chelsea real hope that they can retain their crown if they can beat United next week.
Ferguson cut a frustrated figure throughout, a mood matched by his players as they rarely got to grips with an Arsenal side they have enjoyed so much success against in the recent past.
Arsenal lost Fabregas to a thigh injury sustained in training on Saturday - but his absence did not stop the Gunners dominating a first half that concluded with them nursing an acute sense of injustice.
Vidic, a central figure in every sense, was fortunate not to be punished for an uncharacteristic error after only three minutes.
In attempting to clear, he only succeeded in finding Jack Wilshere and was relieved to see the teenager pull his effort inches wide.
And Walcott could not keep a close-range shot under control as he stretched to meet Clichy's cross, sending it well over the top of Edwin van der Sar's crossbar.
United have had joy against Arsenal in the past by lying deep before striking with devastating effect on the counter attack.
And they almost delivered a sucker punch in the face of Arsenal's early superiority when Fabio da Silva burst into the area unmarked, but was unable to find Javier Hernandez.
Phelan disappointed with Man Utd
Arsenal, with justification, were furious just after the half-hour when Vidic clearly used his hand to direct Walcott's cross away from the incoming Robin van Persie - an offence missed by the officials.
England striker Wayne Rooney's main contribution had been a yellow card for fouling England team-mate Wilshere just before the interval.
He did show his enduring quality with a curling 25-yard free-kick after 48 minutes, but the previously unemployed Wojciech Szczesny was equal to the task with a diving save.
Arsenal finally got the goal they had merited after 56 minutes, Ramsey sliding a low finish into the corner of the net from Van Persie's incisive cut-back.
United, thoroughly out of sorts, replaced Anderson with Antonio Valencia moments before the goal.
They did muster a response, however, when Vidic rose highest from a corner to head just wide.
And in a belated show of urgency by United, Szczesny was then forced to save well from Nani after Rooney had driven deep into the Arsenal half in a bid to lift his team-mates from their slumbers.
With three minutes left Ferguson and United's players were reduced to a fury as Owen was brought down from behind by Clichy as he raced into the area.
Referee Foy, much to Ferguson's obvious disgust, was unimpressed.
It was Arsenal's last anxious moment before closing out a win that leaves the title potentially on the line when United confront champions Chelsea, who narrowly beat Tottenham 2-1 on Saturday.
90:00+4:20 The referee blows his whistle to end the game.
Full Time
90:00+3:09 Free kick taken right-footed by Luis Nani (Man Utd) from left channel (30 yards), blocked by Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal).
90:00+3:09 Booking Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal) booked for unsporting behaviour.
90:00+2:58 Foul by Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal) on Wayne Rooney (Man Utd).
90:00+2:16 Attacking throw-in by Fabio Da Silva (Man Utd).
90:00+1:20 Goal kick taken long by Wojciech Szczesny (Arsenal).
90:00+0:25 Defending throw-in by Bacary Sagna (Arsenal).
89:44 Cross by Antonio Valencia (Man Utd), comfortable save (caught) by Wojciech Szczesny (Arsenal).
88:43 Foul by Andrey Arshavin (Arsenal) on Ji-Sung Park (Man Utd). Free kick taken right-footed by Rio Ferdinand (Man Utd) from
own half, resulting in open play.
86:36 Attacking throw-in by Fabio Da Silva (Man Utd).
85:56 Attacking throw-in by Fabio Da Silva (Man Utd).
85:38 Cross by Andrey Arshavin (Arsenal), clearance by Patrice Evra (Man Utd).
84:45 Defending throw-in by Rio Ferdinand (Man Utd).
84:31 Attacking throw-in by Fabio Da Silva (Man Utd).
84:09 Substitution Man Utd substitution: Michael Carrick replaced by Michael Owen (tactical).
82:35 Foul by Fabio Da Silva (Man Utd) on Andrey Arshavin (Arsenal). Free kick drilled left-footed by Robin van Persie (Arsenal)
from left channel (30 yards), comfortable save (caught) by Edwin Van der Sar (Man Utd).
81:59 Attacking throw-in by Bacary Sagna (Arsenal).
81:52 Cross by Robin van Persie (Arsenal), resulting in open play.
81:20 Attacking throw-in by Fabio Da Silva (Man Utd).
80:58 Attacking throw-in by Fabio Da Silva (Man Utd).
80:12 Defending throw-in by Fabio Da Silva (Man Utd).
78:50 Attacking throw-in by Fabio Da Silva (Man Utd).
78:27 Attacking throw-in by Fabio Da Silva (Man Utd).
78:13 Defending throw-in by Fabio Da Silva (Man Utd).
78:11 Goal kick taken long by Edwin Van der Sar (Man Utd).
77:29 Substitution Arsenal substitution: Theo Walcott replaced by Emmanuel Eboue (tactical).
77:11 Shot by Robin van Persie (Arsenal) left-footed from left side of penalty area (6 yards), missed left.
76:29 Shot by Luis Nani (Man Utd) left-footed from left side of penalty area (6 yards), brilliant save (parried) by Wojciech Szczesny
(Arsenal).
75:45 Booking Fabio Da Silva (Man Utd) booked for unsporting behaviour.
75:34 Foul by Fabio Da Silva (Man Utd) on Jack Wilshere (Arsenal). Free kick taken right-footed by Wojciech Szczesny (Arsenal) from
own half, resulting in open play.
75:19 Cross by Antonio Valencia (Man Utd), blocked by Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal).
73:55 Handball by Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal). Free kick drilled right-footed by Wayne Rooney (Man Utd) from left channel (20 yards),
save (caught) by Wojciech Szczesny (Arsenal).
73:03 Cross by Luis Nani (Man Utd), clearance by Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal).
73:03 Substitution Man Utd substitution: Javier Hernandez replaced by Dimitar Berbatov (tactical).
72:50 Foul by Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal) on Ji-Sung Park (Man Utd).
72:32 Attacking throw-in by Fabio Da Silva (Man Utd).
72:22 Cross by Antonio Valencia (Man Utd), resulting in open play.
71:38 Defending throw-in by Gael Clichy (Arsenal).
70:08 Wayne Rooney (Man Utd) caught offside. Free kick taken right-footed by Wojciech Szczesny (Arsenal) from own half, resulting
in open play.
69:34 Foul by Robin van Persie (Arsenal) on Rio Ferdinand (Man Utd). Free kick taken left-footed by Rio Ferdinand (Man Utd) from
right channel, passed.
69:07 Foul by Andrey Arshavin (Arsenal) on Antonio Valencia (Man Utd). Free kick taken right-footed by Michael Carrick (Man Utd)
from right channel, passed.
68:01 Substitution Arsenal substitution: Johan Djourou replaced by Sebastien Squillaci (injury).
66:17 Inswinging corner from left by-line taken left-footed by Luis Nani (Man Utd) to centre, resulting in open play.
65:07 Free kick taken left-footed by Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal) from right wing, passed.
65:07 Booking Ji-Sung Park (Man Utd) booked for unsporting behaviour.
65:00 Foul by Ji-Sung Park (Man Utd) on Bacary Sagna (Arsenal).
64:49 Attacking throw-in by Bacary Sagna (Arsenal).
64:24 Goal kick taken long by Wojciech Szczesny (Arsenal).
63:24 Goal kick taken short by Edwin Van der Sar (Man Utd).
62:01 Free kick crossed right-footed by Luis Nani (Man Utd) from left channel, clearance by Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal).
62:01 Booking Alex Song (Arsenal) booked for unsporting behaviour.
61:34 Foul by Alex Song (Arsenal) on Luis Nani (Man Utd).
60:32 Goal kick taken long by Wojciech Szczesny (Arsenal).
Correction - 60:01 Inswinging corner taken from the left by-line by Luis Nani, Nemanja Vidic produces a headed effort from deep inside the six-yard
box which goes wide of the right-hand upright.
60:01 Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Luis Nani (Man Utd) to centre, header by Nemanja Vidic (Man Utd)
from centre of penalty area (6 yards), missed right.
59:31 Corner from left by-line taken short right-footed by Luis Nani (Man Utd).
58:44 Defending throw-in by Patrice Evra (Man Utd).
58:05 Goal kick taken long by Wojciech Szczesny (Arsenal).
57:31 Foul by Antonio Valencia (Man Utd) on Jack Wilshere (Arsenal). Free kick taken right-footed by Wojciech Szczesny (Arsenal)
from own half, resulting in open play.
55:46 Assist (pass) by Robin van Persie (Arsenal) from right wing.
55:46 GOAL - Aaron Ramsey:Arsenal 1 - 0 Man Utd goal by Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal) right-footed (bottom-left of goal) from right side of penalty area (18 yards).Arsenal 1-0 Man
Utd.
55:44 Cross by Robin van Persie (Arsenal),
55:41 Goal kick taken long by Wojciech Szczesny (Arsenal).
54:57 Substitution Man Utd substitution: Oliveira Anderson replaced by Antonio Valencia (tactical).
53:57 Foul by Alex Song (Arsenal) on Michael Carrick (Man Utd). Free kick drilled right-footed by Luis Nani (Man Utd) from left
channel (35 yards), missed left.
53:39 Foul by Jack Wilshere (Arsenal) on Ji-Sung Park (Man Utd). Free kick taken right-footed by Wayne Rooney (Man Utd) from right
channel, resulting in open play.
52:52 Cross by Luis Nani (Man Utd), comfortable save (caught) by Wojciech Szczesny (Arsenal).
52:31 Defending throw-in by Fabio Da Silva (Man Utd).
51:57 Goal kick taken short by Edwin Van der Sar (Man Utd).
51:49 Shot by Bacary Sagna (Arsenal) left-footed from right channel (20 yards), missed right.
50:45 Goal kick taken long by Wojciech Szczesny (Arsenal).
50:09 Corner from right by-line taken short left-footed by Oliveira Anderson (Man Utd).
49:53 Cross by Bacary Sagna (Arsenal), clearance by Rio Ferdinand (Man Utd).
49:08 Handball by Luis Nani (Man Utd). Free kick taken left-footed by Gael Clichy (Arsenal) from own half, resulting in open play.
48:53 Goal kick taken long by Wojciech Szczesny (Arsenal).
48:40 Shot by Patrice Evra (Man Utd) left-footed from left side of penalty area (6 yards), missed left.
47:21 Foul by Alex Song (Arsenal) on Ji-Sung Park (Man Utd). Free kick drilled right-footed by Wayne Rooney (Man Utd) from left
channel (30 yards), save (parried) by Wojciech Szczesny (Arsenal).
47:06 Attacking throw-in by Wayne Rooney (Man Utd).
46:47 Attacking throw-in by Bacary Sagna (Arsenal).
46:12 Defending throw-in by Gael Clichy (Arsenal).
45:32 Attacking throw-in by Fabio Da Silva (Man Utd).
45:01 The match restarts for the second half.
45:01 Substitution Arsenal substitution: Samir Nasri replaced by Andrey Arshavin (injury).
Half Time
45:00+1:36 The match has reached half-time.
45:00+1:26 Defending throw-in by Patrice Evra (Man Utd).
44:54 Foul by Gael Clichy (Arsenal) on Luis Nani (Man Utd). Free kick crossed right-footed by Luis Nani (Man Utd) from right wing,
clearance by Robin van Persie (Arsenal).
44:17 Cross by Theo Walcott (Arsenal), comfortable save (caught) by Edwin Van der Sar (Man Utd).
43:32 Defending throw-in by Bacary Sagna (Arsenal).
Correction - 42:58 Oliveira Anderson takes a shot. Save by Wojciech Szczesny.
42:58 Shot by Oliveira Anderson (Man Utd) left-footed from left channel (20 yards), comfortable save (caught) by Wojciech Szczesny
(Arsenal).
41:43 Goal kick taken long by Wojciech Szczesny (Arsenal).
41:26 Goal kick taken long by Wojciech Szczesny (Arsenal).
41:15 Cross by Wayne Rooney (Man Utd), resulting in ball out of play.
40:31 Cross by Bacary Sagna (Arsenal), clearance by Rio Ferdinand (Man Utd).
39:24 Free kick taken left-footed by Gael Clichy (Arsenal) from own half, passed.
39:24 Booking Wayne Rooney (Man Utd) booked for unsporting behaviour.
39:13 Foul by Wayne Rooney (Man Utd) on Jack Wilshere (Arsenal).
38:18 Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Luis Nani (Man Utd) to near post, clearance by Laurent Koscielny
(Arsenal).
38:04 Shot by Wayne Rooney (Man Utd) right-footed from left channel (25 yards), blocked by Johan Djourou (Arsenal).
35:59 Goal kick taken long by Edwin Van der Sar (Man Utd).
35:45 Shot by Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal) left-footed from right channel (25 yards), missed right.
34:57 Foul by Oliveira Anderson (Man Utd) on Theo Walcott (Arsenal). Free kick taken right-footed by Jack Wilshere (Arsenal) from
own half, passed.
34:14 Attacking throw-in by Fabio Da Silva (Man Utd).
32:39 Cross by Samir Nasri (Arsenal), resulting in open play.
32:01 Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Samir Nasri (Arsenal) to centre, resulting in open play.
31:39 Cross by Theo Walcott (Arsenal), resulting in ball out of play.
31:15 Attacking throw-in by Bacary Sagna (Arsenal).
30:51 Attacking throw-in by Gael Clichy (Arsenal).
30:42 Javier Hernandez (Man Utd) caught offside. Free kick taken right-footed by Wojciech Szczesny (Arsenal) from own half, resulting
in open play.
Correction - 29:40 Jack Wilshere gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Michael Carrick. Rio Ferdinand takes the direct free kick.
29:40 Foul by Jack Wilshere (Arsenal) on Michael Carrick (Man Utd). Free kick taken right-footed by Rio Ferdinand (Man Utd) from
own half, passed.
28:02 Handball by Wayne Rooney (Man Utd). Free kick taken right-footed by Johan Djourou (Arsenal) from own half, passed.
27:12 Foul by Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal) on Javier Hernandez (Man Utd). Free kick taken right-footed by Fabio Da Silva (Man Utd)
from own half, passed.
26:19 Attacking throw-in by Bacary Sagna (Arsenal).
25:46 Defending throw-in by Bacary Sagna (Arsenal).
25:35 Defending throw-in by Bacary Sagna (Arsenal).
25:04 Attacking throw-in by Luis Nani (Man Utd).
24:28 Goal kick taken long by Wojciech Szczesny (Arsenal).
24:02 Attacking throw-in by Bacary Sagna (Arsenal).
23:47 Cross by Bacary Sagna (Arsenal), clearance by Rio Ferdinand (Man Utd).
21:41 Goal kick taken long by Wojciech Szczesny (Arsenal).
20:58 Attacking throw-in by Patrice Evra (Man Utd).
20:35 Shot by Ji-Sung Park (Man Utd) left-footed from left channel (20 yards), blocked by Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal).
20:05 Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Oliveira Anderson (Man Utd) to near post, clearance by Robin van
Persie (Arsenal).
18:53 Foul by Alex Song (Arsenal) on Wayne Rooney (Man Utd). Free kick taken right-footed by Nemanja Vidic (Man Utd) from own half,
passed.
17:16 Attacking throw-in by Gael Clichy (Arsenal).
16:17 Attacking throw-in by Fabio Da Silva (Man Utd).
15:49 Samir Nasri (Arsenal) caught offside. Free kick taken right-footed by Edwin Van der Sar (Man Utd) from own half, resulting
in open play.
14:22 Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Robin van Persie (Arsenal) to near post, clearance by Patrice Evra
(Man Utd).
14:10 Shot by Jack Wilshere (Arsenal) left-footed from left side of penalty area (12 yards), missed right.
13:47 Attacking throw-in by Gael Clichy (Arsenal).
13:29 Defending throw-in by Gael Clichy (Arsenal).
13:11 Attacking throw-in by Fabio Da Silva (Man Utd).
12:25 Defending throw-in by Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal).
11:04 Goal kick taken short by Edwin Van der Sar (Man Utd).
10:18 Javier Hernandez (Man Utd) caught offside. Free kick taken right-footed by Bacary Sagna (Arsenal) from own half, resulting
in open play.
9:20 Corner from right by-line taken short left-footed by Robin van Persie (Arsenal).
8:14 Javier Hernandez (Man Utd) caught offside. Free kick taken right-footed by Wojciech Szczesny (Arsenal) from own half, passed.
8:01 Attacking throw-in by Bacary Sagna (Arsenal).
7:33 Foul by Luis Nani (Man Utd) on Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal). Free kick taken right-footed by Samir Nasri (Arsenal) from left
channel, passed.
7:18 Goal kick taken long by Edwin Van der Sar (Man Utd).
7:01 Shot by Theo Walcott (Arsenal) left-footed from right side of penalty area (6 yards), over the bar.
6:32 Goal kick taken long by Edwin Van der Sar (Man Utd).
6:25 Header by Robin van Persie (Arsenal) from left side of penalty area (12 yards), over the bar.
6:03 Attacking throw-in by Gael Clichy (Arsenal).
4:50 Goal kick taken long by Wojciech Szczesny (Arsenal).
4:41 Shot by Luis Nani (Man Utd) left-footed from right channel (20 yards), over the bar.
4:04 Foul by Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal) on Oliveira Anderson (Man Utd). Free kick taken left-footed by Oliveira Anderson (Man Utd)
from right channel, resulting in open play.
3:58 Attacking throw-in by Fabio Da Silva (Man Utd).
3:12 Goal kick taken long by Edwin Van der Sar (Man Utd).
2:52 Shot by Jack Wilshere (Arsenal) right-footed from left side of penalty area (12 yards), missed right.
1:43 Robin van Persie (Arsenal) caught offside. Free kick taken right-footed by Edwin Van der Sar (Man Utd) from own half, resulting
in open play.
0:33 Foul by Gael Clichy (Arsenal) on Luis Nani (Man Utd). Free kick taken right-footed by Nemanja Vidic (Man Utd) from own half,
passed.
0:00 The game begins.
Live text and data provided by The Press Association.
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