Arsenal 3-1 Manchester United- Highlights, Takeaways

11 months ago

The race for the top four features two unlikely teams. Both Arsenal and Manchester United needed points for fourth place.

It was a quick start by the Gunners who advanced within three minutes. A cross inside the penalty area was not handled by the visiting defense. The ball fell to Bukayo Saka who saved a curling shot by David de Gea. Unfortunately for him, the rebound went straight to Nuno Tavares who scored.

The Red Devils tried to muster a quick response. Cristiano Ronaldo released Anthony Ilanga who stopped off from Aaron Ramsdale in his near post. The Arsenal goalkeeper almost got into trouble with a bad pass. However, Bruno Fernandez’s sporadic effort was countered by Gabriel. Arsenal were feeling the heat when Diogo Dalot hit the crossbar from distance

However, the landowners doubled their advance. Some pretty interaction saw Martin Odegaard slip into a Saka cut by Alex Telles. Eddie Nketiah finished off the loose ball but was sentenced for offside. Then the video assistant referee intervened for the penalty call and a penalty kick was awarded. Saka did nothing wrong and finished off with experience like last week.

This time, United achieved their dominance after the number of goals. Nemanja Matic’s cross was passed home by Ronaldo with his left shoe to cut the gap in half. It was his 100th Premier League goal but United could have fallen further behind. De Gea cleverly saved from Mohamed Elneny and Odegaard between Ramsdale and kept Telles away to keep it 2-1 at the end of the first half.

United had a great opportunity to equalize after Tavares’ mistake on Matic inside the penalty area. However, Fernandes’ efforts came from Al Qaim with Ramsdale in the other direction. The far side was flowing forward now. Ramsdale saved Sancho’s shot before Ronaldo’s goal was canceled for offside. Arsenal were struggling to assert themselves in the second half.

Just when it looked like United would find an equaliser, Arsenal scored another. A bout of coordinated pressing resulted in a ball break in favor of Granit Xhaka. From a distance of over 20 yards, he shot and fired a shot past De Gea’s desperate dive. With 15 minutes to go, it looked like a mountain too far for United to climb. Moreover, the set of changes did not help the flow of the game either.

United were unable to muster a response and fell into another defeat. Arsenal is now in first place to fourth place.

Here are the three main points from the match:

Arsenal rose

After beating Chelsea, Arsenal came in wanting more. The youth abundance is unparalleled in the league. Mikel Arteta has pitted his team into not thinking of themselves as underdogs despite their age. This is how it went for the first 30 minutes. They were given help with defensive lapses but the finishing touch was top notch. Saka had the brightest spark and continued to raise his value.

Nketiah was a great introduction while Xhaka produces these goals annually. However, Arteta’s only real concern is that Tavares can be very erratic at times. With no other natural left-back, the manager has to carefully manage his young starlet.

The Red Devils are no longer scary

Gone are the days of Sir Alex Ferguson beating Arsenal. Ralph Rangnick runs a sinking ship that needs Eric ten Hag. Ronaldo played well and scored the goal he deserved. What really cost them the game was their lewd nature. Sancho, Dalot, Telles and Fernandez had great chances. Fernandez’s missed penalty could have made it 2-2 but it didn’t.

Why Ronaldo did not take the penalty kick will be the subject of a long debate. However, they had their chances in both halves, especially after Arsenal’s first two goals. However, this kind of offer won’t make Tin Hag’s job any easier. On top of that, De Gea did some major saves which kept the score a bit respectable.

Khelan race for the fourth?

It does not appear after this result. Tottenham and Arsenal play in the north London derby who will be the first place winner. United are six points behind Arsenal, having played a game more. So, it looks like next season will be without the Champions League.

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