Resilient Arsenal down but not out

Manchester United FC will be confident of reaching a second successive UEFA Champions League final after John O'Shea's early goal secured a narrow but priceless first-leg victory against Arsenal FC at Old Trafford, although the visitors will be relieved to return to north London with their hopes still just about intact after withstanding a fearsome barrage of pressure.

Unstoppable effort
Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia had already made fine saves from Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tévez by the time he was beaten by O'Shea's emphatic finish in the 17th minute after Arsenal had failed to clear a corner. It could have been even worse for the visitors as United enjoyed much the better of a pulsating match and passed up a number of presentable openings, Cristiano Ronaldo coming close to doubling United's advantage in the second half via a swerving, dipping shot from 30 metres out that clipped the top of the crossbar with Almunia motionless.

Need to improve
While Sir Alex Ferguson will simply call for more of the same at the Arsenal Stadium next Tuesday, Arsène Wenger knows his team have to turn their possession into clear-cut chances and ask more questions of the United defence. Emmanuel Adebayor and Theo Walcott were peripheral figures at Old Trafford and will have to be more involved if Arsenal are to become only the 22nd team in the UEFA Champions League era to progress after losing the first leg. Where do you think Arsenal need to improve? And what must United do in London to continue their challenge to become the first team to retain the European Champion Clubs' Cup since AC Milan in 1990? Have your say below.