Manchester United's Park Ji-sung celebrates with teammate Ryan Giggs after scoring in an 8-2 victory over Arsenal on Sunday. Jon Super / Associated Press

Manchester United's Danny Welbeck celebrates after scoring a goal during a victory over Arsenal on Sunday. Jon Super / Associated Press

Manchester United becomes first to score eight against Arsenal since 1896

MANCHESTER, England - Manchester United handed Arsenal its heaviest loss under Arsene Wenger on Sunday with Wayne Rooney scoring a hat trick in a humiliating 8-2 drubbing in the Premier League that only compounded the London club's early-season troubles.

Having seen cross-city rival Manchester City thrash Tottenham 5-1 earlier in the day, United responded in style with Ashley Young, Danny Welbeck, Nani and Park Ji-sung joining Rooney on the scoresheet.

Rooney converted two free-kicks and a penalty to pass 150 goals in the Premier League with the sixth hat trick of his United career as his side moved to the top of the Premier League with a 100 percent record, ahead of City on goal difference.

"It was a good win for Manchester City but we had to concentrate on our own performance and it was something," Rooney said. "I don't think any team are going to score eight against Arsenal again."

Theo Walcott and Robin van Persie replied for a makeshift Arsenal side, while Van Persie had a penalty saved in the first half when Arsenal was trailing 1-0.

Arsenal conceded eight goals in a league game for the first time since 1896, and for the first time ever in the top flight.

"You feel terrible, it's painful," Wenger said. "It was a special game, so it hurts."

Arsenal has picked up only one point so far and has had a player sent off in each of its three games after Carl Jenkinson was dismissed for two yellow cards against United.

The pressure on Arsenal and manager Wenger had eased slightly after the midweek win over Udinese ensured the London club would be playing in the Champions League group stage this season, but the gulf in class against United illustrated that Arsenal's problems persist.

Injuries and suspension meant the inexperienced Jenkinson and Francis Coquelin made the starting lineup at Old Trafford, the latter for his Premier League debut.

Wenger has until Wednesday, when the transfer window closes, to strengthen his squad.

"We are close to signing a striker, but we want a midfielder and a defender," Wenger said. "We have to sort out the problems we have in the squad.

"In 15 years at the club, we have bought good players. We have played three games. All I will say is give me more time to say I have completely done it wrong. We were poor defensively and we collapsed more physically than anything else today."

United manager Alex Ferguson leapt to Wenger's defense, although he also pointed out that his team "could have scored more" after racking up eight goals or more for the third time in the Premier League.

Agence France-Presse

(China Daily 08/30/2011 page22)