Bukayo Saka converted one, and Arsenal defeated Manchester United in a thrilling Premier League clash. Cristiano Ronaldo was also on it.
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In pictures: Arsenal v Man Utd
Arsenal beat Manchester United 3-1 in a thrilling Premier League match to win the top-four race.
Bukayo Saka, the Gunners’ first-half opener, set up Nuno Tavares’ goal in the third minute. After Eddie Nketiah was denied an offside goal, the Gunners doubled the advantage from the penalty area in the first period. Cristiano Ronaldo scored for the Red Devils. Also, a strike was ruled out for a narrow offside violation in the second.
This was just after Bruno Fernandes had wasted a great chance to equalise with United. United only managed to score a goal with a poor penalty from Tavares, who is a goalscorer for handball. Arsenal’s visitors paid for their mistake as GranitXhaka made a spectacular effort from long range to claim all three points.
These are five key points from the Emirates’ pulsating clash.
Rangnick’s warning ignored
Ralf Rangnick declared Manchester United ahead of kick-off “have to make sure it’s not too open”They aimed to rebound from the humiliating 4-0 defeat to Liverpool.
In the end, the interim boss called for a four-man defence. Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof preferred Harry Maguire as centre-half. However, United failed to respond to his pleas for help at the back and the visitors went down 1-0 just three minutes into the Emirates match.
Bukayo Saka’s brilliantness as an England international cut in and fired a vicious shot at David de Gea created Arsenal’s goal. Although the Spaniard made a good save, his parry felt into Nuno Tavares’ path. He was able to tap in to give Arsenal an early lead.
As chants “1-0 to the Arsenal”The bells rang throughout North London as Erik ten Hag received another reminder of the work he must do at Old Trafford.
Steely Saka in target at spot
Mikel Arteta was thrilled with the “character and courage”Bukayo Saka made a great display by scoring a late penalty during Arsenal’s 4-2 win over Chelsea in midweek.
The 20-year-old suffered a terrible disappointment last summer when he missed a spot kick during the Euro 2020 final against Italy. But he has responded strongly this year, reaffirming the importance of his position among Arsenal’s top players. Saka was once again called upon from 12 meters against Manchester United. His mistake sent David de Gea the wrong path, doubling Arsenal’s lead in 32 minutes.
Although Eddie Nketiah had been denied a goal for offside by the referee, the VAR checked quickly to see if there was a penalty for Alex Telles pushing on Saka. The Emirates went into a frenzy after the England international scored a spot kick. Arsenal was now 2-0 ahead. Saka’s amazing display was marred by the fact that he had to be pulled off due to a muscle injury.
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Ronaldo reaches milestone
Manchester United could easily have given up after going 2-0 down at Emirates. They have done this on many occasions this season.
But they scored a goal back within seconds. It was Cristiano Ronaldo who grabbed Nemanja’s cross to make it home, after having shrugged off Gabriel. It was a very emotional moment for the Portuguese soccer star who has to accept the tragic loss of his baby boy on Monday.
Ronaldo, who had missed Liverpool’s defeat in midweek, returned to the starting team and scored 16 top-flight goals. He joins a select group of Premier League players who have scored 100 goals. He pointed to the sky to celebrate the goal, which was clearly a tribute to his baby boy.
Fernandes spares Tavares blushes
Nuno Tavares scored Arsenal’s opening goal. But it appeared that he would become a zero hero when he conceded a penalty at the hour mark. The score was 2-1 in favor of the Gunners.
The Emirates faithful were outraged when the defender was penalised following a corner kick that hit his outstretched arm. Tavares was relieved to learn that Bruno Fernandes only managed to score the spot kick with his spot kick following a typical jittery run.
Aaron Ramsdale made a sour note of the Portuguese by running from his goalmouth in celebration as the ball was released. Fernandes’ costly miss and Rangnick’s explanation for why Cristiano Ronaldo was not penalized can be expected to receive fresh scrutiny.
Xhaka confirms crucial points in top four race
Granit Xhaka is not often in the team, but Granit Xhaka has always been a formidable player in his locker.
Manchester United was the victim of one such ferocious effort in the 70th minutes. Arsenal players were appealing for a handball from a Red Devils defender just moments before, but Xhaka grabbed the ball and lashed out at David de Gea. This prompted raucous celebrations by Gunners squad members and fans.
United lost in North London and are now unlikely to finish in the Champions League. United is six points behind the Gunners, having played one less game. Tottenham will respond to their win on Saturday night as they travel towards Brentford.
