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 – for the hosts’ only attempt on target in first half – 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 Unai Emery’s men usurp United into fourth place, the final Champions League spot.
ARSENAL HOLD BIG ADVANTAGE
Arsenal players celebrate
Thursday’s chastening 3-1 Europa League, round-of-16 defeat at Rennes sucked the air out of Arsenal’s balloon.
But despite that flatulent mess, Unai Emery managed to re-inflate his side by championing a spirited attitude.
It’s not a trait associated with Arsenal in recent years, yet it’s one the Spaniard regularly preaches and did so in the build-up to this key fixture.
That energy was transmitted to his players on Sunday and they responded with a display not necessarily of guile and craft, but rather graft.
Yes, there was imprecision, and they owed victory as much to Manchester United’s own inability to succeed in the big moments.
However, this was a soulful triumph for Arsenal, one ridden of ego and painted by perseverance. That’s now a 12-point swing from their 10 matches against the ‘top six’ from last season under Arsene Wenger.
And the latest will delight Emery in what is a defining period for the club’s 2018/19 campaign.
A return to the Champions League is the ultimate goal this season and that is very much in their own hands, even if the route through the Europa backdoor seems shut.
Indeed, five of their remaining eight league games arrive against sides currently inhabiting the bottom half of the table. They don’t play another team inside the top six again this term and with an exhausted Tottenham dropping back, sights should be on third as opposed to fourth.
They’re now two points clear of United who face Manchester City and Chelsea in the space of four days at the end of April.
It’s in their hands and at this stage, that’s a massive advantage.
RASHFORD NEEDS A BREAK
Marcus Rashford
Solskjaer deserves tremendous credit for the way he has navigated a squad ravaged by injuries through such an intense period of games.
This damaging phase is taking it’s toll on players like Marcus Rashford, though. The 21-year-old turned in another passive performance at the Emirates having struggled in Paris – prior to his penalty-kick heroics – as well.
It’s obvious he’s not entirely fit having struggled with injury in the 0-0 draw with Liverpool and the United frontman is without a goal in his last five Premier League games.
He’s scored just once since the end of January and it’s not just that physically the England international looks a little drained, but mentally as well.
On Sunday, his movement was actually pretty good. His execution in possession, however, was really poor at times.
There was one moment in the second half when United broke and Rashford had two free options to his left only to delay and delay before under-hitting the pass.
For a player so quick of thought, it was this type of sluggish play which indicated a player who needs a break.
UNITED’S MENTALITY
Ole Gunnar Solskaer
It’s a first defeat in the league under Solskjaer which will be difficult to swallow, but there are actually plenty of positives to digest from this performance.
Under previous managers, United have practically submitted without really showing much intent.
Here, it was more fortune which went against them as opposed to attitude. Indeed, United had the better chances after an astute switch midway through the first half to match Arsenal by going to three at the back.
Romelu Lukaku, who curiously swapped his vice and virtue by showing great hold-up play but poor finishing, missed three great chances and hit the bar.
Fred also was unlucky with a crisp low that effort that struck the upright, while Arsenal’s goals arrived via an odd swerving strike which maybe was a goalkeeping error and a rather soft penalty.
Arsenal took their chances, United missed theirs, that was the difference.
