Manchester United and Arsenal put on a chaotic cracker of a game at Old Trafford as they shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford.
David De Gea erred to give the visitors the lead, failing to collect a routine Shkodran Mustafi header in slippery conditions with the ball creeping over the line as Arsenal led.
The hosts weren’t behind for long though, with Anthony Martial thumping home after Ander Herrera had retrieved the ball when Bernd Leno kept out Marcos Rojo’s free-kick.
Rojo was typically up and down in his performance and then gave the ball away and scored an own goal as Arsenal led again, although their second lead was even shorter as Jesse Lingard pounced on poor Arsenal defending to restore parity 74 seconds later.
Both teams pushed for a winner, but will settle for a point.
Here we rate the United players:
MANCHESTER UNITED (5-2-3)
David De Gea – 7: He used to be able to do no wrong, but a few errors have crept into his game in 2018, one here was huge as Arsenal took the lead. Three fine second-half saves was more like it.
Diogo Dalot – 6: The young Portuguese right-back looks a real find, at least in attack. Defending needs improvement as he was regularly caught out as the Gunners profited often down United’s right.
Marcos Rojo – 3: Just a third appearance of the season and seems to have been demoted to the No16 shirt from his No5. Should be demoted to another league. Typically rash as he clattered Guendouzi and earned yellow, and culpable for second goal. Free-kick needed saving by Leno and led to the leveller.
Chris Smalling – 6: Felt he was fouled by Mustafi for the opener, but just looked like he lost the German. Otherwise was competent and solid.
Eric Bailly – 6: Has been a shadow of himself this season but looked back to something approaching his best here. Sharp and swift as he kept a firm eye on Arsenal’s attacking talent.
Matteo Darmian – 6: Slowest player in the Premier League? Looked all at sea in the first half but at least settled in as the game wore on as he nullified the threat of the league’s leading scorer, Aubameyang.
Nemanja Matic – 5: Another under par night for the Serbian, who started most of United’s attacks but seemed uncomfortable any time the visitors poured forward, which was often. Dispossessed twice.
Ander Herrera – 7: Much maligned by own fans, but almost rescued De Gea before acting quickly to get to Rojo’s saved free-kick and fire in the cross from which Martial equalised. Three key passes. Typically tigerish as he led United with five tackles and five interceptions.
Anthony Martial – 7: Buzzed around in attack as he looked in the mood from the off, contributing in attack and defence. Arsenal would have been delighted to see him limp off, in the right place at the right time to sweep United level.
Jesse Lingard – 6: Nine months since his last goal. Was bright and sharp in occupying the Arsenal defence, quick to pounce on Kolasinac’s error to restore parity 74 seconds after United went behind. Three tackles.
Marcus Rashford – 8: United’s best player. Constantly went at Arsenal’s defence and looked like a man on a mission. As United’s own defence creaked, he always offered an outlet in attack.
SUBS:
Romelu Lukaku – 6: Immediately played a part as he occupied Mustafi, causing confusion in the Arsenal box, from which Lingard benefitted.
Marouane Fellaini – 6: As is often the case, is the man Jose Mourinho calls upon when games are finely poised. Kept things neat and tidy.
Paul Pogba – 6: Started on the bench but brought on when Arsenal were getting on top. Little impact.
