Arsenal fell to back-to-back Premier League defeats for the first time since January 2013 this evening as Manchester United ran out 2-1 winners at the Emirates Stadium.

A Kieran Gibbs own goal and a Wayne Rooney strike handed the visitors a two-goal cushion going into stoppage time, and Arsenal could not find a way back despite Olivier Giroud's 95th-minute thunderbolt.

Here, Sports Mole looks at who impressed during the latest installment of the storied rivalry.

ARSENAL

Goal

Wojciech Szczesny: Had nothing to do until he came for a cross and collided with Gibbs, which led to the opening goal of the game. Had to go off with an injury as a result of the clash. (5/10)

Defence

Calum Chambers: Was rarely tested defensively and got forward whenever possible down the right flank to support the Arsenal attackers. Got a lot of joy in the opening half-an-hour or so, but did allow Young to cross the ball for the opening goal. (6/10)

Per Mertesacker: Kept Van Persie very quiet throughout and could do nothing about either goal, although his lack of pace did not help when United began to break. (6/10)

Nacho Monreal: Again asked to fill in at centre-back and did a good job against such a potent attacking lineup. Probably his finest game in the middle of defence for Arsenal. (6/10)

Kieran Gibbs: Scored an unfortunate own goal as Valencia's fizzed cross deflected off him and in while he was trying to recover from a collision with his keeper. Played well other than that, though. (6/10)

Midfield

Mikel Arteta: Got the assist for the goal, although that was all about Giroud's finish. Had a quiet game overall, with both he and Rooney marking each other. (6/10)

Jack Wilshere: Missed a glorious opportunity in the first half and was perhaps lucky not to be shown a red card for an apparent headbutt on Fellaini. However, he was full of energy and had a big impact on the match before being forced off with another injury. (6/10)

Aaron Ramsey: Was anonymous for long periods before coming off to be replaced by Giroud. Still far short of his performances from last season and the beginning of this term. (5/10)

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: Was his side's best player on the night, particularly in the opening 30 minutes when he gave Blackett and Shaw a torrid time. Always looked a danger and continued to plug away right to the end. (7/10)

Alexis Sanchez: Could not continue his phenomenal recent scoring record, but that was not through lack of trying. Once again left everything out on the pitch, but could not have his usual impact. (6/10)

Attack

Danny Welbeck: A mixed bag. His pace and movement kept the United defence busy all night and he always looked like a threat. However, when he got his chances, he could not make the most of them. (6/10)

Substitutes

Santi Cazorla: Replaced the injured Wilshere 10 minutes after the restart but could not make the difference for his side. (6/10)

Emiliano Martinez: Third-choice keeper got an unexpected 30-minute cameo due to an injury to Szczesny. Could do nothing about Rooney's goal. (6/10)

Olivier Giroud: Gave Arsenal late hope with a magnificent strike in stoppage time. Made his return from injury well ahead of schedule, which is at least one positive for the hosts to take from this game. (7/10)

MAN UTD

Goal

David de Gea: Kept his side in the match with a string of good saves in the first half. May have done slightly better with Giroud's strike, but still managed to be the difference-maker today. (8/10)

Defence

Chris Smalling: Found himself in the unfamiliar position of being the most senior centre-back in the side, but improved on recent performances to do a good job for his side. (6/10)

Paddy McNair: Overcame a tough start to the match and went on to have a solid game at the back for United. More valuable experience for the youngster. (6/10)

Tyler Blackett: Struggled more than anyone in the opening stages as Arsenal ran riot down his side. Slowly grew into the game, however, and made up for his shaky start with some important clearances late on. (6/10)

Midfield

Antonio Valencia: Still evident at times that he is a winger rather than a wing-back, but put in a decent performance today. Forced the own goal with a drilled ball back into the danger area. (6/10)

Marouane Fellaini: Hit and miss in the centre of the park. Was involved in an altercation with Wilshere, but did not have much of an impact on the ball. (6/10)

Michael Carrick: Struggled to exert any influence on the opening stages as United could not keep hold of the ball, but began to maintain possession more effectively as the match wore on. (6/10)

Angel di Maria: Another mixed bag. Showed flashes of brilliance with a couple of fine runs and a shot that went just wide in the first half, in addition to the assist for Rooney's goal. However, missed a sitter to make it 3-0 late on as he tried to be a little too clever. (7/10)

Luke Shaw: Struggled alongside Blackett as Arsenal dominated his flank in the early stages. Picked up an injury and was forced off after just 15 minutes. (5/10)

Attack

Wayne Rooney: Was anonymous for the vast majority of the first half as he stuck close to Arteta, but had more of an impact after the break. Took his goal really well to cap off an incredible week. (7/10)

Robin van Persie: Yet another quiet performance from the Dutchman, whose best days look to be behind him. Not showing any signs of being able to keep Radamel Falcao out of the team once the Colombian returns to fitness. (5/10)

Substitutes

Ashley Young: Came on for the injured Shaw inside the opening 20 minutes and actually helped to stem the tide of Arsenal attacks down the left. Also provided a threat going forward, including the cross that ultimately led to the opening goal, (7/10)

James Wilson: Made yet another sub appearance but once again did not have much of an impact during his 15-minute cameo. (6/10)

Darren Fletcher: Replaced Young in the last minute of normal time and helped his side hold out in the eight minutes of stoppage time. (6/10)