The Arsenal revolution continues to prove doubters wrong as Emirates Stadium was witness to one of it’s greatest nights as Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal snatched a 3-2 victory over Manchester United to once again stretch the gap at the top of the Premier League to five points as fans start to truly believe an incredible title win could be on the cards.
Following the brilliant 0-2 North London Derby win at Tottenham, optimism was as high as ever heading into another huge clash against another old, great rival. Mikel Arteta was also boosted by the arrival of forward Leandro Trossard from Brighton. The Belgian’s move to North London being finalised just in time for him being able to feature in the game. Manchester United under Erik Ten Hag were in fine form themselves having been unbeaten in their last eleven games, however the loss of main man Casemiro due to suspension meant the task of getting a result at the Emirates was seen as a potentially difficult one.
Despite that, the Red Devils drew first blood, Marcus Rashford capitalising on a error in possession from Thomas Partey and struck the ball hard and low past Aaron Ramsdale to continue his brilliant personal form and give his side the lead in the process. But the Arsenal faithful were not going to be brought down easily and they roared their side on and five minutes later they were rewarded with an equaliser as a brilliant passing move involving Zinchenko and Odegaard who found Xhaka who’s cross was met superbly by Eddie Nketiah to level the contest.
Arsenal piled on the pressure in the second half and found the lead when Bukayo Saka -who was superb all night – struck gold from distance as he found the bottom corner to beat David De Gea out of nothing. However, minutes later Aaron Ramsdale – who had made a strong save just after Saka’s goal – flapped at a corner and Lisandro Martinez managed to lift a header into the Arsenal goal to tie the game at 2-2. With fifteen minutes to go Arsenal turned to their new man Trossard and his showed intent and energy on the left-hand side. As the game headed into the 90th minute, Trossard found Zinchenko (who had an inspired performance) who’s cross was diverted in by Eddie Nkeitah after Odegaard’s scuffed shot. Wild scenes then insured all around Emirates Stadium when the goal was confirmed following a nervy VAR check. And the noise at the full-time whistle was one that could be heard all across North London as Arsenal claimed another famous, massive win to extend the gap back to five points ahead of Manchester City.
It’s City who the Gunners face next as they travel away to Manchester in the FA Cup, a game which gives us the chance to see new signings Trossard – who had an impressive debut cameo – and Polish centre back Jakub Kiwior who signed on Monday in action.
Player Ratings:
Aaron Ramsdale: 7 – Passed out well, made a great save from Rashford but his error did lead to Utd’s second goal
Ben White: 5 – Not many have got the better of the Englishman this season, but Marcus Rashford gave White a tough afternoon. Subbed at half-time due to being on a booking
William Saliba: 8 – Brilliant afternoon from the fantastic Frenchman. Strong defensively and calm in possession
Gabriel: 8 – Dealt with the physical test of Weghorst well. Great performance.
Oleksandr Zinchenko: 9 (My MOTM) – Incredible on the ball, brilliant passing, covered every blade of grass, won every header and inspired others with his leadership. What a signing he is proving to be
Thomas Partey: 7 – At fault for the first goal but improved in the second half, drove Arsenal forward at times and his experience and composure was key all afternoon
Granit Xhaka: 8 – Similar to Partey and Zinchenko, Xhaka covered every blade of grass and his experience and composure helped Arsenal over the line
Martin Odegaard: 7 – Not quite as brilliant as recent weeks but controlled the midfield with some exellent passing. Pressed brilliantly and worked so hard, captain’s performance
Bukayo Saka: 8 – Tormented Luke Shaw all afternoon, scored a brilliant goal in the second half
Gabriel Martinelli: 6 – struggled against Wan-Bissaka who was strong defensively. Worked brilliantly hard as ever
Eddie Nketiah: 9 – The man of the moment. Scored two goals including the crucial late winner. A man proving everyone wrong at the moment