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Arsenal 2-1 Sheffield United: Saka and Pepe clinch win for the Gunners

Arsenal defeat Sheffield at the Emirates
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Two quick-fire goals from Bukayo Saka and Nicolas Pepe were enough to seal all three points for Arsenal against Sheffield at the Emirates.

Arsenal returned to winning ways in the Premier League with a 2-1 win over Sheffield United on Sunday afternoon.

Mikel Arteta made six changes to the side that started the penalty shootout win over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup midweek.

Eddie Nketiah kept his place upfront while Alexandre Lacazette could only settle for the bench.

The first half played out with no real threat from both sides. The biggest chance came when Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang went closest in a drab first half. The Gunners captain forced Aaron Ramsdale into an excellent fingertip save with a long-range effort

Not long after, Aubameyang had Arsenal fans concerned when he needed treatment after a hefty challenge from Sander Berge. The first half ended goalless.

The second half started in a similar fashion with Arsenal dominating proceedings once again. It took only 109 seconds for the Gunners to make their mark on the game.

Bukayo Saka opened the scoring for the Gunners after heading in a good cross from Hector Bellerin.

Bellerin was once again involved in the second goal. The Spaniard laid on a pass for Nicolas Pepe who ran through and curled a well placed strike that went in.

Sheffield had not scored in the Premier League but did so in style. McGoldrick’s terrific finish bent beyond Leno and set up a tense finish but Arteta’s men held firm.

The victory takes Arsenal to fourth place, level on nine points with Leicester and Liverpool. Although the Reds are yet to play their game against Aston Villa.

Up next for the Gunners is a bigger test against Manchester City at the weekend.

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