Manchester United’s poor form continued after they were defeated 3-1 by Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in a thrilling contest. Mikel Arteta chose to play a similar one that defeated Chelsea a few days. Whereas for the Red Devils, Cristiano Ronaldo, Raphael Varane and Scott McTominay returned to the starting XI.
Arsenal took the lead after just three minutes thanks to a goal from Nuno Tavares. United was further punished by Arsenal for their errors when Alex Telles fouled Bukayo Saka in the box. Saka put Arsenal two up from the penalty spot, but Cristiano Ronaldo gave United hope shortly before halftime when he came on the end of a sweeping cross from Nemanja Matic.
United came out guns blazing in the second half, but they wasted many good chances, notably, Bruno Fernandes’ missed a penalty in the 57th minute. The home team were being put under considerable pressure by the away team when the Portuguese duo- Ronaldo had a second goal disallowed for offside and Diogo Dalot struck the woodwork. Arsenal was given some comfort and sealed their win when Granit Xhaka’s 25-yard shot beat David De Gea. It was the Swiss midfielders’ first goal of the season, and they held on to take an important three points.
Arsenal climbed into the fourth position, three points ahead of Tottenham Hotspur, while United’s chances of qualifying for the Champions League were further harmed, and they are now six points behind Arsenal and also have played an extra game.