O'Shea scores in 1-0 win for Man U

John O'Shea's early goal is enough for Red Devils but Arsenal relieved to have not conceded more than one

John O'Shea's early goal is enough for Red Devils but Arsenal relieved to have not conceded more than one

Manchester United will take a 1-0 lead into the second leg of their Champions League semi-final with Arsenal after the holders failed to fully capitalise on their domination last night.

Manchester United's John O'Shea celebratesu00a0 after scoring against Arsenal in the Champions League semi-final at Old Trafford yesterday. PIC/AFP

An inspired display from Gunners goalkeeper Manuel Almunia ensured that John O'Shea's 17th-minute strike only his second Champions League goal in his 60th appearance in the competition was the only reward Sir Alex Ferguson's side reaped from a first leg encounter they comfortably controlled.

O'Shea admitted United had not made the most of the chances they created.

"Their keeper made a couple of great saves but from the first-half we could have been a couple more up," the Ireland defender said. "Overall though we have to be happy. We are more than capable of scoring an away goal at the Emirates but it is far from over."

Wenger relieved
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger admitted he had been relieved to see his side concede only one goal but insisted they could turn things around at the Emirates next week.

"Almunia kept us in the tie and we want to take advantage of that," the Frenchman said. "But it is very balanced. We still believe we will do it at home and you will see a different Arsenal next week."

Carlos Tevez's decisive role in the weekend comeback against Tottenham earned him a place in a United starting line-up in which there was no room for either Dimitar Berbatov or Ryan Giggs, who was made to wait until 66 minutes had elapsed before coming on to make his 800th appearance for the club.

Arsenal's defensive problems were eased as former United centreback Mikael Silvestre and teenage leftback Kieran Gibbs both came through late fitness tests, although the opening exchanges hardly inspired confidence in a back four missing both William Gallas and Gael Clichy.