Man United title bid look in shambles while Arsenal were able to keep theirs alive by salvaging a late draw at Old Trafford in the lunchtime kick off. United betting odds of winning the title has increased drastically as it now seems an insurmountable task for them to clinch the title.
Olivier Giroud struck late into the game to deny Man United all three points at Old Trafford much to the disappointment of Jose Mourinho and the United faithfuls. Juan Mata had put United ahead in the 68th minute, but Giroud’s goal helped to preserve the Gunners unbeaten run extending to 17 matches.
United controlled the game and had five shots on target compared to Arsenal’s one with which they scored from. Mourinho cut a frustrating figure after the match as he was left to rue the missed chances as well as the penalty appeal that was waved down when Nacho Monreal bundled off Antonio Valencia in the penalty box.
Arsene Wenger looked contented with the result after all he is aware that his side played below expectations and his wait for his first win since 2006 at the Old Trafford continued.
Here are five things we learned from the match at Old Trafford.
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Wenger got his substitutes right
The Gunners boss introduced Alex Oxlade-chmaberlain and Olivier Giroud in an attempt to preserve their unbeaten run and also get something from the game. It paid eventually as the pair combined for their 89th- minute goal when Giroud scored from Oxlade-chamberlain’s cross.
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Petr Cech Denies His Former Boss
Mourinho transformed the Czech national to a world class stopper during their time at Chelsea and he got paid for it in return as the Gunners’ keeper denied him of extending his victories over Arsene Wenger. The former Chelsea shot-stopper made crucial saves in the first half to deny Juam Mata once and Anthony Martial twice to keep Arsenal in the game before Mata got the better side of him to put United ahead.
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No Touchline Bust Ups
Both Wenger and Mourinho remained as civic as they can throughout the match. Their rivalry is one of most talked about in the Premier League and it got worse in 2014 when the two were involved in a touchline confrontation during a natch when Mourinho was at Chelsea. The two conducted themselves as there were no bust ups and conflicts this time around.
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Michael Carrick Thrives Again
The English midfielder was handed his second Premier League start of the season and his performance yet again vindicated the decision. Like in the Swansea match, the veteran midfielder was so effective in defence, allowing others to play in a more advanced role.
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Support for Wayne Rooney
The United faithfuls threw their support behind skipper Wayne Rooney when he was introduced in the 63rd minute of the game. The English attacker has had a bad week after news of him getting drunk drew the wrath of the FA but the fans got behind their idol.