Manchester United defeated Premier League champions Arsenal 3-1 thanks to a second-half brace from Marcus Rashford, giving them their fourth straight victory.
The £82.2 million acquisition from Ajax, Antony, scored on his United debut in the 35th minute against the flow of play, but the impressive Bukayo Saka got the Gunners an equaliser with an hour remaining.
Details about Manchester United vs. Arsenal Match Result, Highlights & Analysis:
After joining from Ajax, Antony scored first in the 35th minute. Bukayo Saka then scored for Arsenal, but Rashford’s two goals made sure Erik ten Hag’s team kept up their early-season surge.
After struggling to start the season, Mikel Arteta’s club had won their first five Premier League games, but United ended Arsenal’s unbeaten run to win their fourth straight victory.
Gabriel Martinelli was put through by Saka in the 12th minute, and it appeared that Arsenal had the perfect start when Martin Odegaard fouled Christian Eriksen. However, a VAR review resulted in the goal being disallowed.
In the 35th minute, United seized the lead via Antony. Rashford set up the Brazilian international, who became the 21st United player to score on their Premier League debut.
After Gabriel Jesus was forced off the ball by Diogo Dalot in the 60th minute, Arsenal equalised when Saka side-footed the ball home.
After just six minutes of parity, Rashford was set free by an incredible through-ball from Bruno Fernandes, who used the outside of his boot to unleash Rashford and beat Aaron Ramsdale.
In 15 minutes, the same thing happened again, with Fernandes this time serving as the mastermind. He threaded a pass to Christian Eriksen, who beat the England striker with a tap-in.
Arsenal vs. Manchester United The scorer:
Marcus Rashford’s Antony for MUN in the 35th minute.
Bukayo Saka, ARS, 60th min.
Marcus Rashford (Bruno Fernandes) for MUN in the 66th minute.
Marcus Rashford (Christian Eriksen) for MUN in the 75th minute.
Six minutes later, United responded through Rashford, whose shot took a deflection off Ben White after Bruno Fernandes’ defense-splitting pass.
In the 75th minute, Rashford scored his second goal, which was adjudged to be onside after Eriksen squared for the England international to score from close range.
After suffering embarrassing losses to Brighton and Brentford to start the season, United appear to have recovered their confidence, and Ten Hag’s tactics are now bearing fruit.
While Cristiano Ronaldo and Brazilian Casemiro started on the bench, Antony was given a spot on the right flank with Rashford in the centre and Jadon Sancho on the left.
“This squad has a wonderful spirit, and it truly shows in the way they handled our failures. It definitely shows your mentality.” On that, we have definitely progressed,” Ten Hag stated following the game. “We are pleased and glad with the victory, as well as our effort against a fairly strong opposition. They performed incredibly well.
Arteta, the manager of the Arsenal, was unhappy that his team had not capitalised on a strong showing.
Arteta expressed his disappointment with the outcome of the game. “The opportunity to win the game was there. We failed to win because we occasionally lacked discipline and weren’t ruthless enough in front of goal.
“At halftime, I told the players that the game was still in our hands and that if we played with more bravery, we would win. The score should have been 2-1 [for us] after it was 1-1. It’s a significant lesson because you have to play everything perfectly if you want to win.”
Due to their opening five victories, Arsenal maintained their lead in the rankings with 15 points, while United moved up to fifth place and are now three points behind the Gunners.
