Arsenal continued to do everything within their power to remain Premier League title contenders on Sunday, as Mikel Arteta’s side made relatively easy work of a 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford.
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The victory, which guarantees the title race will go to the season’s final day, sends the Gunners (86 points) back atop the PL table with just one game left to play, though it is still Manchester City who hold all the cards. The three-time defending champions sit just a point back and have two games to play in the final week of the season.
For Man United (54 points - 8th), it is yet another disappointing result (one win in eight PL games) in a season full of them. Still three points back of Chelsea for 7th place, beating Man City in the FA Cup final might be United’s likeliest route into European competition next season.
Leandro Trossard scored the game’s only goal in the 20th minute, his 12th Premier League goal this season and fifth in his last seven appearances.
Man United avoid (some) further embarrassment with robust team selection
After Manchester United were beaten 4-0 by Crystal Palace on Monday, there were grave concerns among the fanbase that Arsenal could do an even worse job on them given their own recent form (15W-1D-1L in their last 17 PL games). In the end, Erik ten Hag’s side became the first in eight league games to hold Arsenal under two goals. The smallest of small victories itself.
United began brightly enough as they weathered a heavy storm of Arsenal pressure in the first five minutes and found safe footing with four defensive midfielders through the spine of the team. Unfortunately for the Red Devils, one of the four, Casemiro, was deployed at center back once again, and it was he whose inexperience at the position led to Arsenal’s goal.
As Andre Onana booted the ball forward to the halfway line, Casemiro was caught out walking back into shape along the backline, which allowed Ben White, who quickly won the ball back, to play an aggressive ball forward to Kai Havertz on the right wing, in a spot that would have otherwise had him miles offside. Onside instead, Havertz streaked into the penalty area, played a simple cross (right by Casemiro, who sped up very little to recover as the play developed) to Trossard at the near post for a simple finish from two yards out.
Back on the not so positive side for Man United, they need to win their final two games by at least four goals combined to avoid finishing a PL season with a negative goal difference for the first time. 52 score, 56 conceded through 36 games.
What’s next?
First, Arsenal will hope that north London rivals Tottenham will do them a favor and beat Manchester City on Tuesday (3 pm ET), then the Gunners will wrap up their season at home against Everton next Sunday (11 am ET). Manchester United have a make-up fixture against Newcastle back at Old Trafford on Wednesday (3 pm ET) followed by a trip to Brighton on Championship Sunday.
Player ratings - Manchester United vs Arsenal
Manchester United vs Arsenal highlights, final score: 0-1
Goalscorers: Leandro Trossard (20')
GOAL - Man United 0-1 Arsenal: Leandro Trossard scores after Casemiro carelessly plays Kai Havertz onside
Manchester United starting lineup
Onana — Dalot, Casemiro, Evans, Wan-Bissaka — Amrabat, Mainoo, McTominay — Amad, Garnacho, Hojlund
Arsenal starting lineup
Raya — White, Saliba, Gabriel, Tomiyasu — Partey, Rice, Odegaard — Saka, Havertz, Trossard
How to watch Manchester United vs Arsenal live, stream link and start time
Kick off: 11:30am ET Sunday
TV Channel: Peacock Premium
Online: Premier League on Peacock
Manchester United focus, team news
With so many defensive injuries, the only good news is that Lisandro Martinez could make this game. United are running on empty both physically and mentally and they’re in real danger of missing out on European qualification in the league. If that happens, Erik ten Hag is all-in on winning the FA Cup to reach Europe. And maybe buy himself at least the start of next season.
OUT: Bruno Fernandes (wrist), Marcus Rashford (ankle), Lisandro Martinez (calf), Victor Lindelof (thigh), Tyrell Malacia (knee), Luke Shaw (thigh), Harry Maguire (muscle), Raphael Varane (muscular), Willy Kambwala (undisclosed), Mason Mount (undisclosed), Anthony Martial (groin)
Arsenal focus, team news
With just a couple of injury concerns, Arteta has so many options in midfield and attack. Don’t be surprised if Jorginho starts in a specialist role to try and stop United’s threat on the counter as he could actually push higher up in midfield to stop this happening.
QUESTIONABLE: Jurrien Timber (knee)
