Yes, it’s really been THAT long…
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Arsenal take on Manchester United today looking for their first home win over them in the Premier League since all the way back in the 2010/11 season.
Aaron Ramsey got the winner that day in a 1-0 victory over the eventual champions, and since then Arsenal have drawn two and lose two at home to today’s opponents.
For nostalgic purposes, here’s a look at the two line ups that took to the field that day and what they’re up to now…
Arsenal:
Wojciech Szczesny – Loaned out to AS Roma this season, the Polish goalkeeper never fulfilled the potential he showed after becoming an Arsenal regular that season.
Bacary Sagna – Now at Manchester City after leaving Arsenal on a free transfer, the French right-back did at least win one trophy before calling time on his Gunners career.
Gael Clichy – Also at Manchester City, this was left-back Gael Clichy’s final season as an Arsenal player, and his two titles at the Etihad Stadium since then suggest he made the right move.
Laurent Koscielny – Still at Arsenal and still a regular in the first-team, but Laurent Koscielny has not tasted many more victories over Manchester United.
Johan Djourou – After a number of loan spells, Johan Djourou finally left Arsenal permanently last summer, and is now a key defender and captain of Bundesliga side Hamburg.
Alex Song – Currently into a second season on loan at West Ham from Barcelona, it’s fair to say Alex Song has not really moved on after some fine form for Arsenal between 2010 and 2012.
Jack Wilshere – Still at Arsenal but perpetually injured, Jack Wilshere put in a fine display against Manchester United that day, but has really stuggled to fulfill his potential.
Aaron Ramsey – Another survivor from that day, Aaron Ramsey is still a regular for the Gunners and has since helped them to two wins in the FA Cup, including with the winning goal against Hull City in 2014.
Theo Walcott – Another who is still at the club but struggling with injuries, Theo Walcott remains much the same inconsistent and enigmatic player that he was back then.
Samir Nasri – Now at Manchester City (where else?), Samir Nasri enjoyed his best season for Arsenal that year before forcing an exit, and he has become hated by his old fans.
Robin van Persie – No one could have predicted it at the time, but Robin van Persie was at the start of the best form of his career that season, which eventually led to a controversial move to Manchester United in 2012. Now at Fenerbahce after burning out at Old Trafford, but he does at least have a Premier League title winners’ medal to show for it.
Manchester United:
Edwin van der Sar – Now retired, this proved to be the Dutch goalkeeper’s final season as a player, helping champions United reach the Champions League final, though they were beaten 3-1 by Barcelona.
Fabio da Silva – Despite showing real promise that season, Fabio never matched his brother’s performances for the club and is now in the Championship with Cardiff City.
Patrice Evra – A Man United legend, Patrice Evra put in a few more years of great service before finally leaving for Juventus last summer.
Rio Ferdinand – Another who has retired since this game, United legend Rio Ferdinand spent one season with Queens Park Rangers before hanging up his boots this year.
Nemanja Vidic – Having burned out at Old Trafford, Nemanja Vidic eventually left for Inter Milan, and he’s not done too well there either.
Michael Carrick – One of the few still at a much-changed United team, Michael Carrick remains a regular in midfield for the Red Devils.
Anderson – A total flop as his performances dipped dramatically after this season, the Brazilian is now back in his home country with Internacional, doing little of note.
Park Ji-sung – A key part of Sir Alex Ferguson’s later sides, Park Ji-sung was reliable in these big games, and had scored the winner against Arsenal earlier that season, though he is now retired after spells with QPR and PSV.
Nani – A real waste of talent, this proved to be the Portuguese winger’s last good season for United before falling out of favour. Now in Turkey with Fenerbahce after a loan spell back at Sporting Lisbon.
Wayne Rooney – Now club captain of United, Wayne Rooney looks past his best but is still in the team every week, despite looking like leaving on several occasions.
Javier Hernandez – After this one truly outstanding season at Old Trafford, the Mexican striker went downhill and was finally offloaded this summer to Bayer Leverkusen.