In a crucial game which was a must win for the Gunners at any cost, Arsenal gave a professional display and proved that they still have the fire in their bellies for one last push for the top four places. Manchester United named a weakened side for a trip to the Emirates which proved to be their downfall as the Red Devils succumbed to a 2-0 defeat against Arsenal.
Granit Xhaka scored a long ranger which took a devious deflection of Ander Herrera to which De Gea had no answers. Three minutes later, Danny Welbeck – the former United player, made it 2-0 and took the game completely away from the visiting side. This win also marked Arsene Wenger’s first win over Jose Mourinho in league encounters as a little weight must have been lifted off the Frenchman’s shoulders after tonight’s win. Here are the player ratings from a brilliant Arsenal performance against Manchester United:
Petr Cech (7/10): He did not have much to do but was alert on a few occasions when he was needed. He came off his line in a jiffy for Wayne Rooney’s missed chance and made a brilliant save.
Rob Holding (6/10): The youngster was nervous in the opening minutes of the game and nearly gifted a goal to United courtesy of a side pass. He improved in the second half and had an important role in the buildup to the second goal.
Laurent Koscielny (7/10): Received a booking and was also caught out of position at times but played a leader’s role in a back three which was instrumental in Arsenal keeping a clean sheet.
Nacho Monreal (6/10): Does not look at ease in a back three but the Spaniard always gives his all for the shirt. He tried his level best to suit in a back three and will get accustomed to the role with time.
Kieran Gibbs (7.5/10): Brilliant attacking display from the left wing back on the night. He was sharp to dispossess the opposition and made some incisive runs ahead. Gibbs now needs to work on his end product to elevate his style of play.
Aaron Ramsey (5.5/10): Ramsey got behind the defenders at times but his passing and first touch were not on the point which led to Arsenal losing the ball on numerous occasions.
Granit Xhaka (8/10): A disciplined performance by the midfielder who was a bit lucky with his goal. Nevertheless, he was calm in the centre of the field and gave one of his better performances in an Arsenal shirt.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (8.5/10): The Englishman was again brilliant which was proved by his brilliant runs and his bullying of Matteo Darmian. He delivered nice crosses into the box and is now excelling in a wing-back role for the Gunners.
Mesut Ozil (7.5/10): Showed few glimpses of his fine touch and exemplary vision but still looks like he lacks the confidence to play at his topmost level.
Alexis Sanchez (6.5/10): His work rate was on point but the Chilean’s tendency of trying to do everything by himself was not successful against Manchester United.
Danny Welbeck (9/10): Always tested the United backline and scored a textbook header to jeopardise his former side’s future in the race to finish in the top four.
Substitutions
Francis Coquelin (7/10): Was brought on to see out the game in place of Xhaka and did that without any fuss.
Olivier Giroud (6/10): Replaced Danny Welbeck but could not replicate his goalscoring touch.
Hector Bellerin (6/10): Did not have much time on the field to make any sort of an impact.