Robin van Persie marked his return to the Emirate stadium with a goal from a spot kick to help Manchester United salvage a point against his former side Arsenal.
The match started with the traditional guard of honour for the newly- crowned champions, meanwhile, as Van Persie emerged from the tunnel a chorus of boos greeted the Dutchman; as many would expect after his £24 million move to Old Trafford last summer.
Those boos however became cheers four minute into the game as Theo Walcott gave the host the lead. Van Persie lost possession on the half- way line, and Arsenal countered quickly as the ball was worked up field to Tomas Rosicky, who released Walcott down the right.
Walcott was in line with United’s full- back Patrice Evra, but wasted no time as he raced into the penalty area before slotting Under David De Gea.
Van Persie’s former team- mates took great delight in barracking the forward every time he got on the ball.
United pressed to get a goal back and the equaliser came in the 44th minute after Sagna inexplicably gave the ball away to Van Persie, who sprinted on into the area.
The France full- back recovered ground, but then slid in to trip his former team- mate, and referee Phil Dowd immediately pointed to the spot.
Van Persie kept cool to fire the ball into the right corner then turned away without any celebration.
Neither side was able to claim all three points after ninety minutes. The draw means Arsenal dropped into fourth place, two points ahead of Tottenham Hotspur, albeit having played a match more in the race for Champions League qualification.
For the Man United faithful the hopes of beating Chelsea’s 95 points record at the end of the season is not going to be realisable.
