6. Ruud Van Nistelrooy's Missed Penalty
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1dfphE6jOs The hatred between United and Arsenal was much-publicised during the late 1990s and early 2000s, and in September 2003 a fierce battle between the two at Old Trafford had an incredibly dramatic ending. Ferguson's side had snatched the title from the Gunners the previous season, and Wenger's team were desperate to regain their crown. Barring a free-kick from Giggs that hit the post, and some typically tasty challenges flying in, it was a fairly low-key first-half by both sides' standards. It was late in the second-half that the match sprung into life. Vieira kicked out at Ruud van Nistelrooy after 81 minutes, and the Frenchman was sent-off. The Arsenal players were furious with the United striker, claiming he had made the most of it. By this point tempers were boiling over, and when United were awarded a penalty in stoppage-time, Van Nistelrooy had the chance to win it. Unbelievably, the normally reliable Dutchman smashed his effort against the crossbar, meaning the game finished goalless. There were ugly scenes at the final whistle, as Martin Keown jumped on Van Nistelrooy and goaded him about the missed penalty, and numerous other players got into scuffles with one another. In truth, it was great sporting theatre, even if it was a little distasteful. Arsenal went on to win the league, remaining unbeaten all season.