Arsenal got the better of Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium today with a last-gasp winner.
Stoppage time goals from Declan Rice and Gabriel Jesus helped earn the Gunners a 3-1 win that extends their unbeaten home run against Man United to six matches.
Arsenal kicked off the game brightly against one of their oldest Premier League foes, looking to put last weekend’s disappointing draw at Fulham behind them.
Kai Havertz had a golden chance to put the hosts in front early in the tie and spark life into his Arsenal career when the ball dropped favourably for him in the box.
However, he completely fluffed his lines, which just about summed up his spell with the Gunners to date, with the German battling a lack of confidence and his price tag.
His miss looked even more costly midway through the first half, as Man United snatched a surprise lead against the run of play.
Drained of confidence following his miscue, Havertz’s sloppy pass was picked off by Christian Eriksen, who set Marcus Rashford on his way with an inch-perfect pass, and the Englishman buried his effort off the post.
Man United supporters barely had time to celebrate the goal with the Gunners pouring down at the other end to restore parity.
Arsenal swiftly set about restoring order and did so in fine fashion when Gabriel Martinelli set up Martin Odegaard to finish off a brilliant team move.
Man United kicked off the second period in contrasting fashion as they did the first, and it nearly paid off, but Aaron Ramsdale pulled off a stunning double save to deny Anthony Martial and Rashford.
The opening stages of the second half were certainly end-to-end, and it was Man United’s turn for a reprieve soon after.
Havertz was seemingly fouled in the area by Aaron Wan-Bissaka, but after Anthony Taylor pointed to the spot, he reversed his decision after consulting the pitchside monitor.
In a game that had the fans glued to their seats, it got even more thrilling in the final stages as Man United substitute Alejandro Garnacho thought he’d won the game for Erik ten Hag’s side, but VAR intervened with an offside ruling.
With the game wide open and begging to be taken, Arsenal, perhaps incentivised by their let-off, snatched a dramatic late winner when Rice’s deflected effort got past Andre Onana, sending the fans into a frenzy.
Pouring forward in an attempt to restore parity, the Red Devils were then caught on the break, with Jesus showing incredible composure to move past Diogo Dalot and slot home his first goal of the season.
Coming off a lengthy spell in the treatment room, Jesus’ goal was also his first against Man United, and it leaves Ten Hag with all to do after yet another disappointing result against Arsenal.
Arsenal
Aaron Ramsdale (6/10) – Was left stranded by Rashford in the first half but pulled off a stunning double save in the second 45 minutes to deny the Englishman a brace.
Ben White (7/10) – Had a tough time dealing with Rashford on the left flank and should have done more to deny his compatriot for the opening goal. Created a big chance to earn his side a win late in the game.
William Saliba (6/10) – Decent showing from the Frenchman, although often struggled to cope with Rashford’s pace.
Gabriel Magalhaes (7/10) – Gave Martial no breathing room to operate and put in an impressive performance in his first start of the season. Had his hands full when Rasmus Hojlund came on.
Oleksandr Zinchenko (6/10) – A solid outing from the former Manchester City man. Did enough to stop any positive contribution from Antony before being substituted.
Martin Odegaard (7/10) – Had a slow start to the game but levelled the score sheet with a well-taken goal.
Declan Rice (8/10) – Had a good game, and his ball-winning ability was on hand to help the Gunners establish a foothold in midfield. Couldn’t have picked a better time to score his first goal in an Arsenal shirt.
Kai Havertz (5/10) – Had a chance to put the Gunners ahead early on, but fluffed his lines and his sloppy pass led to Man United’s opener. Was anonymous until his exit – dodgy penalty shout aside.
Bukayo Saka (7/10) – Created several chances for his side. Spurned a big chance to potentially end the game as a match-winner, but made up for it with a late assist.
Eddie Nketiah (6/10) – Was energetic on and off the ball but had a quiet game and never really threatened the Man United backline.
Gabriel Martinelli (7/10) – Was a constant threat down the left flank despite coming up against a formidable opposition and was good value for his assist.
Substitutes
Takehiro Tomiyasu (5/10)
Fabio Vieira (7/10)
Gabriel Jesus (7/10) – Kept his composure to remove Dalot from the picture and slot home his first-ever goal against Man United, effectively sealing maximum points for the Gunners.
Reiss Nelson (NA)
Jorginho (NA)
Manchester United
Andre Onana (6/10) – Struggled with his long passes and gave the ball away one too many times. Denied Saka from point-blank range in the home stretch but had no answer to Rice and Jesus late on.
Diogo Dalot (6/10) – Had his hands full having to deal with Bukayo Saka but did a decent enough job limiting the Englishman’s impact.
Lisandro Martinez (7/10) – Some astute defending from the Argentine destroyer, but his second-half injury will leave Man United sweating over his long-term fitness.
Victor Lindelof (6/10) – Was fortunate not to get sent off in the first half but did well to keep Eddie Nketiah relatively quiet.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (7/10) – Famed for his 1v1 ability but often came out second best in his battle with the electrifying Martinelli. Offered Man United next to nothing going forward but was strong in defence.
Christian Eriksen (7/10) – Pulled the strings for Man United from the base of midfield and deservedly got his name on the assist sheet.
Casemiro (6/10) – Was often dribbled past and was guilty of giving the ball away one too many times but did a decent enough job protecting the back four.
Marcus Rashford (7/10) – Took his goal with aplomb to continue his impressive form against Arsenal.
Bruno Fernandes (6/10) – Barely involved in the game and struggled to get his side going when in possession. Certainly contributed to Man United’s lack of conviction in the final third.
Antony (5/10) – Contributed more defensively and often looked clueless going forward. Was rightly taken off in the 84th minute.
Anthony Martial (5/10) – Barely had a kick in the first half and was only afforded a sight at goal once in his 67-minute stay on the pitch.
Substitute
Rasmus Hojlund (4/10)
Harry Maguire (4/10)
Jonny Evans (3/10)
Alejandro Garnacho (4/10)
