Red Devils hosted the Gunners at Old Trafford this Sunday. Arsenal came in as favourites being unbeaten since the start of this Premier League season. On the other hand, Manchester United were looking to build on their momentum of winning their last three games.
Summary
- 12′ – Martinelli scores for Arsenal but is ruled out by VAR and Paul Tierney (0-0)
- 35′ – Antony scores for Manchester United, assisted by Rashford (1-0)
- 60′ – Saka equalises for Arsenal (1-1)
- 66′ – Rashford scores for Manchester United to secure the lead (2-1)
- 75′ – Rashford scores his second goal and seals United’s victory (3-1)
Line-Ups
Manchester United:
Starting XI: De Gea, Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Malacia, McTominay, Eriksen, Antony, Fernandes, Sancho, Rashford
Subs: Maguire (Martinez 80′), Ronaldo (Antony 58′), Fred (Sancho 67′), Casemiro (Rashford 80′), Heaton, Dubravka, Lindelof, Shaw, Elanga
Arsenal:
Starting XI: Ramsdale, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko, Lokonga, Xhaka; Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli, Jesus
Subs: Nketiah (Zinchenko 73′), Vieira (Sambi 73′), Smith Rowe (Odegaard 73′), Turner, Tomiyasu, Cedric, Holding, Tierney, Marquinhos
First Half: The new boy shines for Manchester United
As predicted, the two footballing giants started the game with a high tempo. While Manchester United looked threatening in the opening minutes, it was Arsenal who came close to scoring after winning a couple of free-kicks but firing wide. Then Odegaard robbed Eriksen off the ball and started a run of play, resulting in Saka setting up Martinelli to put the ball past de Gea for Arsenal to score. However, United protested for a foul on Eriksen in the build-up play by Odegaard, VAR intervened, and finally, Paul Tierney ruled out the goal.
Then at the stroke of 30′, Martinelli produced a fantastic goal-bound header which de Gea managed to keep out. Even though Arsenal was looking stronger while in possession, Manchester United broke the deadlock. After a fantastic team-play of 18 passes, Rashford assisted Antony to score a goal on his Manchester United debut.
Fun Fact: Manchester United have never lost a Premier League game while leading at half-time.
Half-Time: Manchester United 1-0 Arsenal
Second Half: Marcus Rashford MBE
Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal
Arsenal kept the pressure high and looked like they could grab one more goal. But their lead only lasted for six minutes when Eriksen found Bruno Fernandes, who played a pass to split the Arsenal defence, and Rashford made no mistake in slotting it home to restore United’s lead.
Fun fact: Since making his debut (Feb 2020), Bruno Fernandes has assisted (23) the most number of goals in open play in the Premier League. Ahead of the likes of Kevin De Bruyne (22), Mohamed Salah (22) and Harry Kane (21).
Manchester United 2-1 Arsenal
The game increased in intensity, with both managers making substitutions to gain the upper hand. Still, with all of Arsenal’s efforts to equalise again, it was United who scored again. Bruno’s pass split the defence, and Eriksen broke free to assist Rashford to score almost in an open goal. Bruno, Eriksen and Rashford were involved in all three goals that the Red Devils scored against Arsenal. Dangerous trio. Casemiro also made his Old Trafford debut when he replaced Rashford for the last 10 minutes.
Full-Time: Manchester United 3-1 Arsenal
What’s Next?
Erik ten Hag and United make this a fourth successive victory. Next up, United will host Real Sociedad in the Europa League on 8th September and would want to build on this fine form.
After Brentford, something changed. It is visible. The boss said this was just the start of the process, and things would improve even further soon. Trust the process! #GGMU #GlazersOut
