We've had some absorbing contests between these two giants of the English game. This latest encounter pitted an Arsenal side licking their wounds after a weekend humiliation at the hands of rampant Liverpool against current league champions Manchester United, fast fading from recognition and into mid-table obscurity after a nightmare season thus far.

Neither manager was particularly happy at the end. This was a scrappy, forgettable affair from which both teams' players emerged with little credit. It ended with stalemate, a goalless draw at the Emirates Stadium leaving both Arsene Wenger and David Moyes reflecting on missed opportunities.

Arsenal should have done better than they did. Critics will point to their shallow squad. By the end of February, we will know one way or the other what they are capable of.