Liverpool's 2-0 victory over Chelsea the previous day meant that Manchester United made the trip to Arsenal seven years ago today in the knowledge that a win would see them open up a nine-point lead at the top of the Premier League table.
What's more, Sir Alex Ferguson's side would have been full of confidence, having not lost any of their last four encounters away at the North Londoners.
They started this clash - the 200th between the two sides - brightly as well. Wayne Rooney saw his dipping half-volley from the edge of the penalty area tipped away by Jens Lehmann, before loanee striker Henrik Larsson had a downward header cleared off the line from the resultant corner.
The Gunners failed to heed that warning, though, as the visitors broke the deadlock eight minutes after the restart. Patrice Evra's overlapping run down the left flank was picked out by Cristiano Ronaldo. From there, the United full-back fired a cross into the box which was converted by a diving header from Rooney.
© Getty Images
It prompted a positive response from Arsenal, but after Tomas Rosicky and Emmanuel Adebayor both failed to convert presentable opportunities, it appeared that the league leaders would be heading back to Manchester with all three points.
However, with seven minutes left to play, the hosts drew themselves level. Thierry Henry failed to make a connection with Rosicky's cross, but substitute Robin van Persie was lurking at the back post to lift the ball into the roof of Edwin van der Sar's net from close range. It was revealed after the match that the Dutch international broke a bone in his foot during his celebration.
Then, just as it appeared that the spoils would be shared, Emmanuel Eboue floated in a cross towards Henry, who had been left unmarked by the United defence. The Frenchman made no mistake with his header, which flew into the net with no time left for the away side to mount a comeback.
ARSENAL: Lehmann; Eboue (Hoyte), Toure, Senderos, Clichy; Hleb (Van Persie), Fabregas, Flamini (Baptista), Rosicky; Adebayor, Henry
MAN UNITED: Van der Sar; Neville, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra; Ronaldo (Heinze), Scholes, Carrick, Giggs; Rooney, Larsson (Saha)
Liam Apicella
