Arsenal vs Manchester United Report: Arsenal match report

Arsenal earned three crucial points at the Emirates against visitors Manchester United by beating them 2-0 in what was Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first league defeat as Man United’s manager.

The encounters between two of England’s historically biggest sides have always been tight classics and although the prominence of the fixture has certainly decreased over the years, this game was a key one in deciding the top-4 race.

The home side did look like the superior one from the start as United’s fatigue from facing Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday night had certainly taken a toll on them.

Arsenal’s relatively easier fixture against Rennes in the midweek resulted in a terrible defeat, which would’ve certainly motivated them to do better today.

Their opening plays exuded confidence and it didn’t take them long to open the scoring in this huge fixture. The Gunners began to dominate the ball in the midfield and the United players were leaving massive spaces for Arsenal’s runners to get into.

Midfielder Grant Xhaka picked up the ball in the midfield and strode forward. His powerful shot seemed to be going to the left and this triggered David de Gea’s reaction to take a step to the left.

Halfway through its projectile though, the ball seemed to curl in the opposite direction, leaving the Spaniard stranded.

With the advantage now in the hands of the home side, the onus was on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s United to react like they did against PSG in the midweek and react they did. Romelu Lukaku had a close-range effort come off the bar while a long shot from Fred came off the outside of the post as well.

Arsenal’s utter domination on the ball triggered a formation change from Ole and it was only after this that his team were able to get a slight grip on the game. After this, they began to see more of the ball and with some good play from Fred, created a couple of chances.

With the start of the second half, Arsenal continued to be the dominant side as United’s defence seemed to be unable to figure out how to deal with the Gunners’ dynamic and slick attacking play.

As it turned it, their control of the ball continued through the early stages of the second half and with some good play in the midfield from Aaron Ramsey and Xhaka, they were able to keep United out of the contest. 

As the half wore on, United started to come back into the game but Arsenal were then drawn the opportunity to throw the sucker punch when Alexandre Lacazette was fouled in the box by Fred. Although the referee did award the penalty, it did look like a soft touch from Fred that was used well by the Frenchman.

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Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang stepped up and calmly sent De Gea the wrong way to make it 2-0 to the home side. Even after this, United’s attempts to find a goal seemed extremely limped and for the first time under Ole, they came out with a toothless attack as Unai Emery’s Gunners marched on to a crucial 2-0 home win.

Here’s how some thrilled Arsenal fans reacted to the victory:

Now that’s what you call the perfect footballing weekend 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

Special 👏🏽 for @Aubameyang7 & @LacazetteAlex 🔥

Fight for top 3 continues!! #afc #coyg #arsenal

— Jay (@coops313) March 10, 2019

Performance which had everything as we gave everything!!! Heart, fight and a focused team spirit seeing us secure a critical 3 in the race for the top 4. Proud gooner ☝ #ARSMUN #COYG

— Ian Eccles (@Spinkzilla) March 10, 2019

Ole’s bus has reached its final destination. Europa League 😂

— Abdiasis (@AbdiasisAden88) March 10, 2019

Fantastic match😍… The Defence was solid… Xhaka was solid defensively too… Leno turned Neuer today…. And most importantly we have chances of finishing ahead of spurs😍… Thank you Emery!!!

— Michael (@Mic_626) March 10, 2019

Huge huge huge win. Back into the top 4 with a defensive masterclass and emery tactical genius

— Ricky/ The Endgame is coming (@HarisonRamon) March 10, 2019

Who else is gonna miss Rambo’s midfield role

— Rash (@Rashousmane) March 10, 2019

Spurs losing, Arsenal winning! My weekend is complete

— LucasTxrreira (@Fredster_7) March 10, 2019

Look at our defence when mustafi don’t play

— GRAPHICKZ (@GRAPHICKZ_AG) March 10, 2019

You’ve made us proud tonight now we have bragging rights around this place

— Hillary Baariu (@HBaariu) March 10, 2019