On August 28, 2011, Old Trafford hosted one of the most astonishing scorelines in modern Premier League history as Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United crushed Arsène Wenger's Arsenal 8-2. It represented the heaviest defeat suffered by Arsenal in 115 years and the first time they conceded eight goals in a competitive match since 1896.
Deprived of key players following the departures of Cesc Fàbregas and Samir Nasri, an understrength Arsenal side was swept aside. Danny Welbeck, Ashley Young, and Wayne Rooney (with a trademark direct free-kick) put United 3-0 ahead before Robin van Persie saw a penalty saved by David de Gea. Theo Walcott pulled one back before half-time, but the second half descended into complete chaos.
Wayne Rooney completed his hat-trick with another sublime free-kick and an 82nd-minute penalty, while Nani, Park Ji-sung, and Ashley Young added further goals. Van Persie scored a second consolation for the Gunners, but Carl Jenkinson's red card compounded an afternoon of utter despair for the traveling London supporters.
The 8-2 demolition sparked a frantic deadline-day transfer scramble for Arsène Wenger, who signed Mikel Arteta, Per Mertesacker, and André Santos within 72 hours to rescue their season.