Topics: Manchester United, Arsenal, Premier League, Football
Arsenal and Manchester United played out one of the games of the season so far as the Gunners claimed a dramatic 3-2 win at the Emirates on Sunday.
Marcus Rashford put United ahead with a brilliant strike before Eddie Nketiah equalised for Arsenal with a header before half-time.
The Premier League leaders took the lead after the interval through a superb Bukayo Saka goal but United would hit back minutes later when Lisandro Martinez headed in following a mistake from Aaron Ramsdale.
With the game heading for a draw, Nketiah grabbed his second of the match to secure victory for Arsenal, who move five points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table.
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United, meanwhile, remain fourth and are now 11 points behind the league leaders. Here are the player ratings from a pulsating game in north London.
Aaron Ramsdale - 5
A mixed afternoon for Ramsdale. Was lucky to avoid giving a penalty away after colliding with Bruno Fernandes in the first half and could do nothing to stop Rashford’s brilliant strike. Produced a wonderful save to deny Rashford after the break but flapped at a corner for Martinez’s equaliser.
Ben White - 4
Guilty of being casual in possession and struggled against Rashford in the first half. Was deservedly booked for poor challenge on his England teammate, and was taken off at half-time for Takehiro Tomiyasu.
William Saliba – 6
A relatively quiet afternoon from the central defender. No major errors but was sloppy in possession on occasion.
Gabriel – 6
Almost allowed Fernandes to win a penalty in the first half after failing to deal with a ball through the middle but it was his only real error.
Oleksandr Zinchenko – 7
Nullified the threat of Antony in the first half. Was tidy in possession and kept the ball moving but could have provided more going forward.
Martin Odegaard - 8
Another impressive performance form the Norwegian. Was Arsenal’s stand-out player in the first half, linking him play in midfield. Played a role in Nketiah’s opening goal and almost set up Xhaka with a beautiful run and pass after the break.
Thomas Partey - 6
Gave the ball away on several occasions in the first half, including for Rashford’s opener. Improved after the break.
Granit Xhaka - 7
Did everything that was asked of him defensively and produced a superb cross to set up Eddie Nketiah for Arsenal’s equaliser.
Bukayo Saka - 9
Struggled to get into the game in the first half but was Arsenal’s best player after the break. Scored a sensational goal from long range and came close to another later in the half, seeing a shot deflected onto the post.
Gabriel Martinelli - 7
Was Arsenal’s main attacking threat in the first half but was slightly wasteful, shooting wide on several occasions. Continued to terrorise Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the second half. Unlucky not to score.
Eddie Nketiah – 9
Did the basics well early in the first half and scored the goal to draw Arsenal level, a superb header at the back post after capitalising on some poor marking. Wasted a great chance to score late in the second half but would go on to grab the winner late on with a lovely improvised finish. A huge moment for him.
Takehiro Tomiyasu – 6
Given the tough task of dealing with Rashford after being brought on at half-time but did his job well enough, despite being caught in possession once.
Leandro Trossard – 6
Made his debut for Arsenal with a late cameo. Played a role in the build-up for the winner.
Rob Holding – 5
Brought on very late and had no time to make a meaningful impact.
David De Gea - 5
Looked shaky in possession and almost gave the ball away to Martinelli in a dangerous area. Could possibly have done better for Saka's goal. Made a smart save to deny Nketiah minutes before his late winner.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 3
A match to forget. Was run ragged by Martinelli in the first half and was at fault for Nketiah’s opening goal after losing the Arsenal striker. Was again at fault late on after playing Nketiah onside for the winner. Should have been booked for a challenge on Saka.
Lisandro Martinez - 7
Produced a brilliant last-ditch challenge to deny Xhaka in the second half. Scored with a great improvised header but it was not enough to secure United a point.
Raphael Varane – 6
Not his best afternoon but made no major errors. Produced a brilliant block to deny Nketiah from close range.
Luke Shaw – 5
Did well to keep Arsenal’s danger man Saka quiet for most of the first half but badly struggled after the break as the Arsenal man got on top. Was booked late on.
Scott McTominay – 4
Drafted in to replace the suspended Casemiro and struggled to fill his shoes. Was caught in possession several times and looked tired in the second half. United badly missed the Brazilian.
Christian Eriksen – 5
A poor afternoon for Eriksen. Was beaten in several 50-50 challenges and struggled to make an impact going forward. Was fortunate to not be taken off.
Marcus Rashford - 8
Once again Manchester United’s best player. Opened the scoring with a sensational strike and continued to provide a threat down the left. Almost scored a superb solo goal in the second half but saw his shot well saved by Ramsdale. Unlucky to be on the losing side.
Bruno Fernandes - 5
Quiet in the first half and faded even more during the second. Will be disappointed in his performance, particularly given his recent form.
Antony - 4
Made a bright start but badly faded as the first half wore on. Worryingly lacked pace when played through on goal after the break and was booked before being substituted late on. Needs to do much more.
Wout Weghorst - 5
Did the basics well in the first half, linking up play with Rashford and Antony. Struggled to get into the game in the second half as Arsenal took control. Erik ten Hag will want him to provide more a threat in front of goal.
Fred – 5
Replaced Antony in the second half but failed to give United more control in midfield.
Alejandro Garnacho – 5
Brought on to find an equaliser late on but had little time to make an impact.
