Arsenal 1 Manchester United 0: Arsenal give Chelsea huge lift as they wound United

Aaron Ramsey’s second-half goal – his first in the Premier League since January 2010 – saw United’s lead remain at just three points from Chelsea, whom they face next week at Old Trafford.

The Gunners may have seen their own title ambitions extinguished following a run of costly draws before defeat at Bolton eight days ago, but at least gave their frustrated fans renewed hope next season might be different for Arsene Wenger’s young side.

Ramsey had only been in the team because of a thigh injury to captain Cesc Fabregas, but his well-taken strike on 56 minutes was just reward for a high-tempo performance and meant the officials’ miss of a penalty for handball by United captain Nemanja Vidic in the first half did not eventually prove decisive.

Arsenal started brightly, with Theo Walcott causing problems down the right, and Jack Wilshere dragged an early chance wide from 15 yards after a poor clearance by United captain Vidic.

Gael Clichy whipped in a low cross from the left but as Walcott arrived in the six-yard box, he was stretching and could only shin the ball over the crossbar.

It continued to be one-way traffic and, after 15 minutes, Patrice Evra got a toe to Wilshere’s low centre across the goal with Walcott ready for a tap-in at the far post.

After so much pressure, United then cut Arsenal apart on the break.

Fabio burst down the right and into the area before pulling the ball back to Javier Hernandez, with Bacary Sagna making a last-gasp block just as the Mexican shaped to shoot.

There was then a massive let-off for United when Vidic knocked Walcott’s cross from the right behind with his hand, taking it off the head of Robin van Persie.

However, neither the referee or nearside assistant Andy Garratt spotted it, leaving the Dutch forward fuming.

When the dust settled, Wayne Rooney had a goalbound 20-yard shot blocked, before going into the book on 41 minutes for pushing Wilshere over on the far touchline.

Arsenal made a change for the second half with Samir Nasri, who tweaked a hamstring, replaced by Russia winger Andrey Arshavin.

United were awarded a free-kick some 22 yards out when Ji-Sung Park was bundled over by Song. Rooney struck his effort over the wall, but Wojciech Szczesny dived to his right to make a good two-handed save.

Arsenal slowly got themselves back into a rhythm, with Sagna angling a low drive across goal before they swept into the lead on 56 minutes.

Ramsey fed van Persie who charged down the right and into the area before cutting the ball back to the penalty spot, where the Welshman arrived on cue to dispatch a cool finish low into the far corner for a first Arsenal goal in over a year.

United needed a response, and Vidic headed down and wide from a corner.

Tempers boiled over when Song went in on Nani and looked to have won the ball only for referee Foy to book the Cameroon midfielder, which saw several players involved in a scuffle.

Park released Evra down the left channel, but Clichy covered across quickly to bundle the ball out for a corner.

There was concern for Arsenal when centre-half Johan Djourou fell awkwardly and had to be replaced by Sebastien Squillaci on 60 minutes.

United sent on Dimitar Berbatov, back from a groin injury, and had another free-kick in a dangerous position following Ramsey’s needless handball. Szczesny, though, was right behind Rooney’s flick.

The young Pole then made an impressive save at the near post after Nani was played in by a quick break from Rooney.

Van Persie chipped the ball across goal after breaking down the left as Arsenal looked for a killer second goal.

With five minutes left, United sent on Michael Owen and he seemed justified in screaming for a penalty when he looked to have been tripped by Clichy, but again the officials were unmoved.

Arsenal closed out four minutes of stoppage time to claim a victory which was probably greeted with just as loud a cheer in west London.

Wenger praised his team, which was Arsenal’s youngest line-up of the season and also of all clubs in the Premier League, but was left to reflect on what might have been.

“We had a good performance, with everything in it – discipline, fighting spirit and our usual passing game,” he said. “Until we scored the goal, I feel we controlled the game completely, then because we had not won a lot recently we tried to protect our advantage and were a bit under pressure.

“If you look at the age of the team, I think it is a big encouragement for the club because we had a very young midfield and were still very positive in our play.”

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson’s fears Manchester United’s Premier League title bid could be wrecked by a refereeing decision at Old Trafford next Sunday.

Less than 24 hours after Chelsea profited from two errors by match officials to record a 2-1 win over Tottenham, Ferguson felt his own side were denied the chance of a point at the Emirates when referee Chris Foy failed to spot Clichy’s foul on Owen.

“It’s too big a game not to get the decisions right,” Ferguson said. “Clichy knew. He put his hands up in horror.

“Obviously, it gives Chelsea a major chance now. That’s what happens when you get these decisions. They got one at Old Trafford last season so that’s the worry.”

Of Vidic’s first-half handball, Ferguson said: “It was difficult for anyone to see that. It was a mere flick of the ball. You don’t really expect the linesman or the referee to see that. But [the Owen incident] was a clear penalty kick as far as I’m concerned. He was definitely brought down.”