Arsenal inflicted a first Premier League defeat of caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Manchester United reign as Granit Xhaka’s swerving strike and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s penalty strengthened hopes of a top-four finish.
Switzerland midfielder Xhaka tried his luck from 25-yards out at a windy Emirates Stadium in the 12th minute and was rewarded with a fourth Premier League goal of the campaign, although Spain No1 David De Gea’s footwork could be questioned.
Attempts against the woodwork came at the other end from Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku and Brazil midfielder Fred. The Gunners made it 2-0, however, in the second half when the latter barged over France striker Alexandre Lacazette and Gabon front man Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang did the business from 12 yards.
The result saw the hosts usurp United into fourth place, the final Champions League spot.
Here are the Arsenal player ratings:
ARSENAL (3-4-1-2)
Bernd Leno 8: Won his personal duel with Lukaku – in the process, winning the match for Arsenal. Best Arsenal display.
Sokratis Papastathopoulos 7: Stayed on right side of the law after Thursday’s night rash dismissal in defeat at Rennes in Europa League.
Laurent Koscielny 7: Veteran centre-back dug in, even when a second-half knock threatened his removal.
Nacho Monreal 7: Also looked to pick up the loose ball and spring Gunners forward. Recovery from Rennes horror show.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles 7: The wing-back role seems to suit his skill set. Kept busy throughout by Shaw.
Aaron Ramsey 6: Why did Arsenal decide to let him go, again? Sharp in the tackle and swift in the pass.
Granit Xhaka 7: Simply loves a strike from distance. Put devilish swerve on Arsenal’s only shot on target from first half.
Sead Kolasinac 6: Positive influence in both halves of the pitch. Plenty of energy in legs, as was late sub in Rennes.
Mesut Ozil 7: Led way for Gunners with four key passes. Important to repay Emery’s faith after so many snubs.
Alexandre Lacazette 7: A selfless foil up top for Aubameyang and won penalty. But three-match PL scoring run ended.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang 7: Didn’t have a big role to play until spot-kick was given. Exorcised memories of Spurs miss.
18 - Since his Premier League debut in February 2018, only Mohamed Salah (20) and Sergio Aguero (19) have scored more home goals in the competition than @Aubameyang7 (18). Heart. #ARSMUN
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 10, 2019
SUBSTITUTES
Alex Iwobi N/A: Looked to spring on the counter-attack.
Denis Suarez N/A: Emirates career is yet to truly get going, but trusted for final throes.
Eddie Nketiah N/A: Teenager won smart, time-sapping foul from Shaw.
