Arsenal and Manchester United played out a Premier League classic at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Coming into the match, United knew they had to win if they are to sustain their unexpected charge for the Premier League title, whilst Arsenal were looking to put five points between themselves and champions Manchester City.
The Gunners started the brighter of the two sides but it was United who managed to take the lead after 17 minutes.
A sloppy pass from Thomas Partey was intercepted, and after a brilliant piece of skill by Rashford to get away from the Arsenal midfielder, he unleashed a stunning drive into the bottom corner of Aaron Ramsdale’s net.
United’s lead was short-lived as Eddie Nketiah headed the Gunners level seven minutes later after some wonderful football from Mikel Arteta’s side. The game was finely poised at 1-1 as the half-time whistle blew.
Bukayo Saka then scored a spectacular long-range goal to fire Arsenal ahead in the 53rd minute, questionable goalkeeper from David de Gea but take nothing away from the pure precision and accuracy of the strike.
In the 59th minute, United back level thanks to a header from Argentina's World Cup winning centre back Lisandro Martinez, who was first to react after a poor punch by Ramsdale.
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The home side continued to push forward as they searched for a late winner, Arteta gave a debut to new signing Leandro Trossard in the 82nd minute after the Belgian star signed from Brighton and Hove Albion in a deal worth a reported £27 million.
Arsenal finally took the lead again as Nketiah poked in his second of the match to send the Emirates crowd wild. The Gunners have nicked in right at the death in what will be a huge victory as they look to secure their first league title since the 03/04 campaign.
Arsenal held on for a much-needed 3-2 victory and are now five points ahead of City and have one game in hand. United meanwhile stay fourth, level on points with Newcastle United.
Topics: Manchester United, Arsenal, Premier League
Marcus Chan