Goalkeeper: Szczeny;
Defense: Traore, Koscielny, Subotic, and Lichsteiner;
Midfielders: Arteta playing deep, with Matuidi and Aaron Ramsey in front;
Forwards: Hazard, Wang Shuo, and Walcott.
This was already the strongest lineup Wenger could field.
Manchester United's veterans were also plagued by injuries.
Goalkeeper: De Gea;
Defense: Evra, Evans, Phil Jones, and Smalling;
Midfielders: Ashley Jan, Anderson, Cleverly, and Nani;
Forwards: Welbeck and Rooney.
On paper, Arsenal's lineup was by no means inferior to Manchester United's; in fact, they seemed to hold a slight edge. However, Ferguson's ability to discipline his team, along with the Manchester United players' tactical adaptability and on-pitch chemistry, clearly surpassed that of Arsenal. More importantly, Ferguson's tactical prowess could always work miracles.
