The Red Devils suffered another Premier League defeat despite their improved performance against Arsenal.
Arsenal defeated Manchester United 3-1 in their Premier League game on Saturday. The Gunners leapfrogged Tottenham from the fourth spot on the table, thanks to another brilliant performance from their attacking line.
Maguire isn’t United’s (only) problem!
As reported yesterday, Ralf Rangnick decided to omit Harry Maguire from United’s lineup for the game. However, the change proved to be ineffective when the Red Devils conceded a goal only three minutes into the game.
Nuno Tavares put Arsenal ahead with an early goal after another piece of awful defending from United players.
The Red Devils then started their efforts to get back into the game. Following a few half-chances, Diogo Dalot hit the crossbar in the 23rd minute.
However, they couldn’t get the equalizer before Bukayo Saka doubled the Gunners’ lead with a spot-kick in the 32nd minute. The referee had ruled out a goal by Eddie Nketiah after reviewing by VAR. However, he awarded the hosts a penalty for an earlier foul on Saka inside the box.
United came back into the game only two minutes after Saka’s goal. Following an inch-perfect cross from Nemanja Matic, Cristiano Ronaldo sneaked behind Tavares and Gabriel to smash the ball behind Aaron Ramsdale from close range.
It was Ronaldo’s 100th Premier League goal, making him the only player who has scored 100 goals in La Liga and Premier League.
United continued pushing for an equalizer as soon as the second period started. They found a perfect chance to make it 2-2 when Bruno Fernandez stepped up to take a penalty in the 57th minute.
However, the Portuguese star missed the penalty as Arsenal held on to their lead. Ronaldo then scored another goal, but the referee disallowed it for being offside.
As United’s initial momentum at the beginning of the second half wore off, Arsenal gained more and more control over the game.
A stunning long-range strike from Granit Xhaka secured Arsenal’s victory by making it 3-1 in the 70th minute. United pushed to get back into the game in the final 20 minutes, but their attacks lacked enough edge to change the results.
What’s next for United and Arsenal?
United stay sixth on the league table while Arsenal move to the fourth spot. The Gunners will now have to wait for Tottenham’s match against Brentford to see if they can remain in the top four.
Arsenal, who seem to have regained their best form, will face West Ham on Sunday. On the other hand, United must play another London side when they host Chelsea on Thursday.
Player Ratings
Arsenal: Ramsdale (6), Cedric (6), White (6), Gabriel (7), Tavares (7), Elneny (7), Xhaka (8), Saka (6), Odegaard (7), Smith Rowe (5), Nketiah (7).
Bench: Holding (7), Tomiyasu (6), Martinelli (6).
Manchester United: De Gea (6), Dalot (7), Lindelof (5), Varane (5), Telles (6), McTominay (5), Matic (7), Elanga (5), B. Fernandes (6), Sancho (6), Ronaldo (7).
Bench: Rashford (5), Lingard (5), Mata (6).
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