Manchester United vs Arsenal Summary
Manchester United lost further ground on the top four, following their 3-1 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. Nuno Tavares gave the Gunners the lead early on and Bukayo Saka doubled their advantage from the penalty spot. Cristiano Ronaldo got his 100th Premier League goal on his return to the team. Bruno Fernandes failed to get his side back on level terms in the second half, with his spot-kick hitting the wrong side of the post. Granit Xhaka’s long-range beat David de Gea and secured the win for the home team. Although, it is still mathematically possible for United to finish fourth, this defeat has made it extremely unlikely.
The Red Devils got off to worse possible start in this game. Like they did in the midweek clash against Liverpool, they conceded early and put themselves on the back foot. Raphael Varane and Alex Telles both failed to clear their lines and the ball fell to Saka. The Englishman fired the ball towards the bottom left hand corner but de Gea made a superb save to deny him. Diogo Dalot lost Tavares and the Reds were behind. Rangnick’s men responded well to going behind and should have equalised immediately. Anthony Elanga spun in behind Tavares and was denied by Aaron Ramsdale. Full-back Dalot then went incredibly close to equalising, his long-range effort hit off the crossbar and bounced away.
Penalty controversy
United then had two penalty appeals waved away. The first incident saw Elanga go down in the box under challenge from Tavares and the second saw the ball hit Cedric’s hand. To make matters worse, Arsenal were then awarded a penalty, when Saka went down under challenge from Telles. After a lengthy VAR check, the penalty was given and Saka beat de Gea from 12 yards.
Ronaldo got a goal back by finishing expertly from close range. The Portuguese striker was United’s best player and Arsenal simply could not cope with him. In the second half the 37-year-old combined well with Jadon Sancho and Bruno Fernandes. When, the visitors were given a penalty Ronaldo gave the ball to his Portuguese teammate. Fernandes saw his effort agonisingly hit the post and go out for a goal-kick. Rangnick thought his side were level, when Ronaldo found the back of the net. However, VAR intervened and the goal was ruled out for offside. Dalot then unleashed a powerful strike and this time he was denied by the woodwork. Despite, United’s dominance it was Arsenal who got the next goal in the game. Xhaka found the back of the net with a sensational strike. The Red Devils were furious as Eddie Nketiah was obstructing de Gea’s view.
Manchester United vs Arsenal Player Ratings
David de Gea 6/10
Made numerous saves to keep his side in the game, but was let down by a shaky backline-not for the first time this season. Had his view obstructed for the third goal.
Diogo Dalot 5/10
Switched off and let Tavares wonder into the box unmarked for the first goal. Improved as the game went on and hit both the bar and post.
Victor Lindelof 6/10
Was the best defender out of the back four yet again. Didn’t put a foot wrong all game and was positive in possession. Looks like a player who will definitely be here next season.
Raphael Varane 5/10
Had a good game overall, but his mistake in the fourth minute was extremely costly. Like Dalot, he improved as the game went on and tried to bring the ball out from the back whenever possible.
Alex Telles 3/10
Another shambolic display from the full-back. Was at fault for the first goal with Varane. Didn’t improve and gave away a penalty at an important stage in the match. Needs to have a perfect end to the season, otherwise his days at this club may come to an end.
Scott McTominay 5/10
Wasted an opportunity from a corner to get his side back into the game. Didn’t make any notable mistakes and was positive in possession. Needs to impact games more.
Nemanja Matic 6/10
Put the ball on a plate for Ronaldo, who converted with ease. Progressive on the ball and was taken off in the second half when he began to tire.
Bruno Fernandes 2/10
Should of got his side back on level terms at both 1-0 and 2-1. Failed to hit the target from close range and saw his penalty bounce back off the post. Wasteful and loose in possession. Needs to find his form quickly.
Anthony Elanga 5/10
Should have done better with his one on one with Ramsdale. Fouled in the box and was unlucky to not win a penalty for his side. Didn’t impact the game enough in the second half.
Jadon Sancho 7/10
Back to his best and caused the Arsenal backline problems all afternoon. Constantly got the better of Cedric and created some good opportunities from the left flank. Much better from the 22-year-old.
Cristiano Ronaldo 8/10
A complete performance from United’s number seven. Created opportunities for his teammates, worked hard off the ball, combined well with the rest of the attack and was a constant goal threat. Scored immediately after Arsenal’s second goal and was unlucky to see his goal disallowed in the second half. United’s best player again.
Subs
Jesse Lingard 5/10
Made some good runs in his late cameo.
Marcus Rashford 5/10
Didn’t see enough of the ball to make an impact.
Juan Mata 5/10
Insufficient time to make a difference.
Manager: Ralph Rangnick 5/10
Dropped Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka due to their poor displays against Liverpool and this was a good decision. Telles is the only option at left-back this team, however Rangnick should look to use an alternative from the academy as Telles continues to put in shocking performances. Can’t prevent our defence from making these same mistakes over and over again.
