Ljungberg's goal was crucial for Arsenal

The French winger was about 30 yards out and strode forward before sliding a pass to Ljungberg.

The Swede took a touch and then sent a deft chip over the head of the advancing Barthez and into the net.

This was one goal that United's eccentric keeper could not be blamed for.

The strike seemed to lift Arsenal up another gear and they dominated the rest of the game to go on and win 3-1 - albeit with a little help from Barthez.

Ljungberg said: "After the first goal we just kept going and kept belief that more goals would come.

"We had to rely on what Barthez did in the end. But if it had stayed 1-1 we would have considered ourselves really unlucky."

And the Swedish international said that the victory had helped to avenge Arsenal's 6-1 away defeat by United last season.

"I didn't play in the defeat at Old Trafford last season but the lads who did feel a lot happier now.

"We've shown ourselves what can be achieved."