Show Of Class In North London Today As Arsenal Defeats Man United In Crucial Top Four Battle Clash.
Arsenal secured a 3-1 win over top four rivals Manchester United on Saturday afternoon to restore their chances of playing in the Champions League next season.
Following some bad defence by the visitors at The Emirates, Arsenal were rewarded for their blistering early speed when Nuno Tavares tapped home in the third minute after United goalkeeper David de Gea pushed away a curling effort by Saka.
Eddie Nketiah thought he had scored the second, but was ruled out as offside by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) which later awarded a penalty to Arsenal after spotting a foul on the winger in the build-up to the goal, Bukayo Saka doubled the Gunners' lead from the penalty spot in the 32nd minute.
After the heartbreaking death of one of his newborn twin baby son, Cristiano Ronaldo got one back for the visitors in the 34th minute, making it his 100th Premier League goal.
READ MORE: Reactions To Controversial VAR and Referee Decisions In Arsenal Vs Man United Game.
The Portuguese forward received a warm reception from the North London faithfuls as he returned to action for Man United by starting Saturday's early kick-off against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
Ronaldo was cheered by Gunners fans upon emerging from the tunnel to warm-up and responded by applauding supporters. Other supporters could be seen holding a banner which read, "Ronaldo, sorry for your loss," with a heart.
Arsenal fans greeted the United's number seven with a round of applause in the seventh minute, similar to what Liverpool fans did in their 4-0 victory over United on Tuesday night at Anfield.
Bruno Fernandes was then given the chance to bring United back level in the second half but struck his own penalty off the foot of the post, before Granit Xhaka scored a long-range thunderbolt in the 70th minute to seal the vital three points for Arsenal.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta speaking after the game said;
"It was a huge performance in a game that had everything going for it.
We generated opportunities, we had to suffer, there were times when we were low on energy and they were on top, we were effective in the boxes, and we were fortunate,"
The Spaniard also stated that the race for fourth place would be fierce.
"This is going to be a rollercoaster," he predicted.
"Today it went in our favor, Things changes so quickly, but my belief is that we’re going to give it a real go."
Xhaka also expressed his joy after scoring his first goal for the club since Boxing Day of 2020.
"I'm really glad for the three points, and I'm also very happy to have scored a goal for the club... it's nice to do it in front of the supporters."
"However, the three points were the most essential thing," the Swiss midfielder remarked.
Arsenal moved into fourth place with 60 points, three points ahead of Tottenham Hotspur, who face Brentford later on Saturday, while United are in sixth place, and interim manager Ralf Rangnick has a tough task ahead of him in his final four games.
For the first time since a run of six games between December 1980 and March 1981, United has now reportedly lost four consecutive league games on the road.
On Thursday, they will try to end their losing streak against Chelsea, and Arsenal will visit West Ham United next weekend.
READ MORE: Reactions To Controversial VAR and Referee Decisions In Arsenal Vs Man United Game.
United's prospects of finishing in the top four, according to Rangnick, have practically ended.
"It wasn't very likely for me even before the game," the German added, "but after today's outcome, it's gone, yes."
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