Man Utd celebrate Premier League title win

Manchester United sealed a third successive Premier League title by getting the point they needed against Arsenal – but the Old Trafford celebrations only started after an afternoon gripped by tension.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s side knew a draw would ensure they equalled Liverpool’s long-time record of 18 titles, but Arsenal ensured they did not earn their prize without a fight.

Robin van Persie and Cesc Fabregas both wasted opportunities to drag the title race into its final week and leave United with more work to do at Hull City on the last day of the season as nerves jangled in the closing stages.

But United’s defence, so often the bedrock of their success this season, delivered another clean sheet when Ferguson needed it most and Old Trafford erupted in ecstasy at the final whistle as an 11th Premier League success was confirmed.

Wayne Rooney missed United’s best chance with a first-half header, and there was an intriguing cameo when Old Trafford voiced its resounding disapproval when the popular Carlos Tevez was substituted in what could prove to be his final home appearance.

But nothing could overshadow United’s achievement – or the joy of players, fans and management – as the presentations were made after the final whistle with club captain Gary Neville lifting the Barclays Premier League trophy.

United saw off a stirring challenge from an improving Liverpool this season to once again set the standards their rivals must meet, despite a stumble when defeats against Rafael Benitez’s side and Fulham threatened to undermine their challenge.

And as so often during this campaign, United got the result they needed when not at their most fluent, with the industry of Darren Fletcher and the defensive solidity of Nemanja Vidic taking centre stage as Arsenal kept Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo on the margins.

United’s squad were introduced individually as the presentations began, but the biggest ovation of all was reserved for Ferguson, whose hunger, drive and desire have again been the inspiration for this triumph.

And as the pyrotechnics flashed around Old Trafford, Ferguson could start the preparations for further glory as he attempts to make United the first club to successfully defend the Champions League when they meet Barcelona in the final in Rome.

Tevez’s spectacular equaliser at Wigan earned him a starting place ahead of Dimitar Berbatov – with Ferguson clearly unmoved by continued speculation surrounding the Argentine’s future.

Andrey Arshavin was restored to Arsenal’s side after illness, and he saw plenty of possession in a first 45 minutes that saw Arsene Wenger’s side acquit themselves far better than when the pressure was on in the recent Champions League semi-final against United.