BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE CHAMPION AGAIN!

Manchester United were crowned champions of England for a record-equalling 18th time at Old Trafford. A goalless draw with Arsenal ensured Liverpool cannot now catch their north-west rivals. After over three decades as the unquestioned kings of English football, the Merseysiders now have someone else to share the title with. While the first half ended with United still on course for the 11th league title of Sir Alex Ferguson's illustrious reign, Arsenal had every reason to be pleased with themselves. After two poor displays that surrendered their Champions League semi-final with the Red Devils, plus a defeat on home soil by Chelsea, it was feared the Gunners would suffer yet another loss. It surely could not be a coincidence that Andrey Arshavin's return from a combination of being cup-tied and contracting a flu bug coincided with Arsenal's return to form. As Gunners fans search for reasons to be cheerful ahead of what will be another trophyless summer, the Russian playmaker is the main one.

JUST OVER

Arshavin went on one mazy dribble from the left flank that would have opened United up totally had Jonny Evans not raced across to clear. The former Zenit St Petersburg star was also the provider of a cross lone striker Robin van Persie might easily have steered into the net, rather than just over. The hosts certainly started as if they meant business with Darren Fletcher almost sending Cristiano Ronaldo through inside the opening minute. Yet, as time wore on, it seemed Ferguson's side were adopting a pragmatic approach to the situation, ensuring their goal was tight and secure, pushing forward in numbers only when really necessary. The energy of Carlos Tevez helped in that regard. Sometimes it seems the South American is doing the work of two men. There has, of course, never been any discussion over Wayne Rooney. Had voting for the various player of the year awards been based on the last two or three months' form alone, Rooney would have been top of the pile.

OFF TARGET

The England striker has added an extra level of consistency to his game that truly deserves him now to be ranked if not at the very top of the game, then only just underneath. Rooney stole in behind Bacary Sagna to head a teasing Michael Carrick cross wide after earlier having an effort deflected away by Kolo Toure. On the brink of his 11th championship, Ryan Giggs curled a free-kick over and was then off target with a volley. Ronaldo had an even better opportunity at the start of the second period after Tevez had failed to manage a shot after Carrick had supplied the cross, but did enough to nudge it into the Portugal superstar's path. However, he leant back and skied a shot into the Stretford End. Ronaldo then sent one his trademark free-kicks whipping wide. It marked the end of United's attacking intent. Fabregas and Van Persie had one last shot at spoiling the party. But with the trophy ready and the tickets sorted, it seemed a shame to stop it.