We dominated the opening exchanges, failed to take our chances and were caught out by a clinical attack. Barcelona are the only team who can dominate us but even Birmingham can exploit our obvious weaknesses and Arsene Wenger can not or will not adapt.

We appeared to be in control but United demonstrated their quality in the final third when Fabio produced a perfect cross for Rafael to head over from close range. It was a warning but we could not replicate their clinical approach and paid the price in the 28th minute when Rooney's inspired pass was headed towards the bottom corner by Hernandez. Almunia produced a good save but the ball fell to Fabio who reacted fractionally quicker than Koscielny to strike the ball home. It is that desire to win in either box that has seen United consistently out perform us in recent years.

It was evident again early in the second half as we started well but Koscielny looked lost in the United box as he awkwardly forced a save from Van der Sar with a deflected shot before failing to put his follow up in the corner and the United keeper was again able to push the ball away. United raced up the other end and from a similar situation Rooney angled his header into the far corner to end the tie in the 49th minute.

We resumed territorial domination and created a number of chances but, although Van der Sar played well, none of our shots were far enough into the corner and our lack of quality in either box was terribly exposed once again. Wilshere, Nasri and Diaby dominated the ball in the middle of the pitch and generally played well but could not produce a decisive moment or give enough protection to our back four. To compound the misery Johan Djourou dislocated his shoulder in after colliding with Sagna and will miss the rest of the season leaving us with only two senior centre backs.

We push players forward but lack the killer instinct in the area and when our attacks break down we are hit by quick, direct passing that makes a mockery of our slow, controlled style that allows defences time to organise. It's as if Wenger has analysed the game of football and decided to play in a style that makes it as hard as possible for ourselves. To compound the misery he then refuses to adapt the formation even when we're 2-0 down, his lack of flexibility is in stark contrast to Ferguson who has no shame in adapting his tactics to suit the match. Obviously we still have a good chance in the league but the last fortnight has been painful and has brutally exposed our weaknesses.

Something has to change but Wenger will not change his approach and as long as we are in the Champions League the club will not sack him. It's a frustrating time to be an Arsenal fan as in some respects we are so close but that is not good enough.  

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