Man United 0-1 Arsenal – Premier League RESULT: Gunners again on high

Kai Havertz, Arsenal forward, speaking to Sky Sports.

We prepared for the game very well, we didn’t have our best game but we needed the three points and we have it now so we can be happy. We have to win every single game as City are always keeping the pressure on.

It is so nice to be in the [title] race and every week you have to play at your best. When you do it, it feels even better. We have one game and we need the whole club behind us – anything is possible.”

I am going to be the biggest fan of Tottenham ever! Let’s hope for the best.

Oh my word, just look at all that rain.

It is the definition of ‘chucking it down’ in Manchester right now, it was sunny just a couple of hours ago.

I’m glad I am sitting comfortably in a London office.

Paul Merson, First Division winner with Arsenal, on Sky Sports:

I played in them games (the North London Derby), they (Tottenham) aren’t wanting Arsenal to win the league, whatever happens. It will get to the stage where Tottenham fans cheer if Man City score (against them).

Unlike the one Manchester United broke today, this is a good record.

Arsenal’s win against United was their 27th in the league this season, the most they have achieved in Premier League history.

They have only won more in the top flight back in 1970-71 and 1930-31.

They have been relentless this campaign.

Manchester United fans, look away now…

Times have rarely been worse than they are right now for Manchester United. It’s been a horrendous campaign.

Remember when Old Trafford was a fortress? Well, those timers are long gone.

Things are too easy for opposition sides at the Theatre of Dreams these days. It’s like taking candy from a baby.

Today’s loss is their ninth at home this campaign. A record-equalling number. Not a good record…

Gary Neville, former Manchester United captain, speaking on Sky Sports:

The position Arsenal are in, we all say ‘do your own job’ and that is what they have done today. Winning at Old Trafford has never been easy for Arsenal, but they have done the job here today.

Arsenal are just so solid at the back, aren’t they?

Their defence won them the game today as their frontline wasn’t particularly firing.

They have now kept a clean sheet in seven of their last eight Premier League away games.

Only Chelsea in 2008-09 with, 12 clean sheets, have kept more away from home in a single season in the competition on the road than their 11 this term.

Does anyone have William Saliba and Gabriel’s number? I could do with them protecting my fridge from my flatmates.

The Arsenal fans erupted when the final whistle was blown, and they have not stopped singing in the moments that have followed.

The Gunners run straight over to the away end and are serenaded by their adoring supporters as the rain comes lashing down.

It means so much to them, they will be in the title race until the bitter end.

ARSENAL HOLD ON!

They win at Old Trafford for only the second time in 17 events, and it’s a massive three points.

They weren’t at their best, but they were defensively solid. Manchester United gave it a good go, but never really looked like scoring.

Leandro Trossard did though, and it’s his goal that sends Arsenal back to the top of the table.

They will not let this title race go. Now they have to hope their bitter rivals can do them a favour against Manchester City.

I was wrong, Alejandro Garnacho has just delivered another poor cross into David Raya.

The Arsenal fans cheer, they know that it’s over.

That should be that!

Man United fly forward for probably the final time, and Alejandro Garnacho wastes it.

His cross is poor and it falls straight into the arms of David Raya.

Guess who is involved again? Alejandro Garnacho.

He has been everywhere in this second half, but he can’t get that all-important equaliser.

He goes for goal again but fires the ball wide… again.

It seems Mikel Arteta just wants 1-0.

He makes two defensive changes as Jakub Kiwior and Jorginho both come on.

Can they hold on?

Arsenal have to hold on for just six more minutes.

It seems they have weathered one storm, the Manchester United one. The other is still coming down from the sky.

One of my colleagues just shouted very loudly!

It was more in confusion than excitement Kai Havertz looked set to score, but somehow, Manchester United get the ball away.

Arsenal look the more dangerous, it seems they are on their way to a huge win.

Erik ten Hag is going for it, he makes a triple-change.

The youngsters are on. Omari Forson, Ethan Wheatley, and the more experienced Christian Eriksen are on.

Rasmus Hojlund, Sofyan Amrabat, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are on.

Sunshine has turned to stormy skies at Old Trafford. Maybe the weather is reflecting the mood of Manchester United fans?

In the meantime, Kobbie Mainoo is down from a sore one, he looks in pain.

Ian Ladyman, Mail Sport Football editor, at Old Trafford:

Gabriel Martinelli has given Arsenal a real outlet since he came on. He has used his pace well and it’s been a smart switch by Mikel Arteta.

Andre Onana is at it again.

The Manchester United goalkeeper gets across to deny Declan Rice from distance. It was not an easy save, that ball was travelling.

I must say though, he always saves things in an unorthodox fashion, if you get what I mean?

Interesting… very interesting.

Bukayo Saka is coming off and he doesn’t look best pleased.

Former Manchester City man Gabriel Jesus comes on to the Old Trafford turf to replace him.

Kobbie Mainoo saves Manchester United’s bacon.

The midfielder is the last man as Gabriel Martinelli drives at him and is backtracking.

Martinelli looks to skip past him, but Mainoo goes to ground and makes a fabulous tackle.

If he didn’t Martinelli was one-on-one.

Gabriel Martinelli could have pulled the trigger for times before he actually did there.

He drives into the area from the left unopposed, and the Manchester United players just stand off him.

He keeps threatening to shoot and eventually does, but his powerful effort is well saved by Andre Onana.

Alejandro Garnacho vs Arsenal. That’s what this game feels like.

Garnahco receives the ball again in a good area inside the box, but he smashes his shot into the side netting.

I believe some people thought it had gone in as I heard some cheers. They soon realised.

Erik ten Hag has made a like-for-like change at the back.

Willy Kambwala has missed the last few matches with injury, but he returns to replace Jonny Evans.

Evans was looking leggy, so it’s a good move.

Antony is already trying to make an impact.

He drives at Arsenal and Old Trafford roars, but he gets a shot away and it’s a tame one. David Raya collects, easily.

Not a bad first involvement, though.

Is that a bit of frustration being shown by Bukayo Saka.

The Arsenal star loses the ball under pressure from Sofyan Amrabat, so decides to chase him down and take him out.

He gets a yellow card for it, of course.

Oh no, what a shame for Amad Diallo.

Diallo has picked up a knock, and is having to make way, Antony replaces him.

It didn’t look like his first start in years, Diallo can pat himself on the back.

Casemiro really wants to score a screamer today, doesn’t he?

He once again has a pop, this time from 40 yards out, and unsurprisingly it’s dealt with easily by David Raya.

Maybe one of these days the ball will nestle in the top corner, but not today it seems.

Leandro Trossard leaves the pitch knowing he has created a meme of Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Gabriel Martinelli replaces the goalscorer.

Alejandro Garnacho is the key for Manchester United if they are to get back into this.

He keeps driving at Arsenal and does so again, but there isn’t a red shirt in sight as he delivers a ball into the box.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka needs a ticket to get back inside Old Trafford, he has just been rinsed by Leandro Trossard.

Trossard leaves him on the floor before working the ball to Martin Odegaard, but his shot is saved by Andre Onana.

I think Wan-Bissaka is still sliding, just like Sol Campbell…

Old Trafford really is in fine voice, despite the scoreline, they are not staying quiet.

They have been singing about Geroge Best for five minutes straight!

Ian Ladyman, Mail Sport Football editor, at Old Trafford:

This is one of Arsenal’s least convincing performances of the second half of their season. Apart from the opening moments of each half, they haven’t had control of the game

Old Trafford is suddenly bouncing, and that’s because Manchester United are starting to get forward with regularity now.

It’s Alejandro Garnacho again and he sends two Arsenal defenders to the cleaners, cuts inside, but firers wayward.

That deserved a better finish.

That is William Saliba at his best!

Alejandro Garnacho does well and drives into the penalty area, and Saliba just nonchalantly sticks his foot out, gets the ball back, and sets Arsenal on their way.

Too easy for him…

Arsenal are normally brilliant from corners, but they haven’t shown us that yet today.

This time a ball goes into the mixer, but William Saliba’s header loops comfortably over the bar.

Oh, I thought that was going in!

Aaron Wan-Bissaka gets down brilliantly to deny Declan Rice’s goal-bound strike after a flowing move.

It seems the Gunners have woken up again.

Arsenal really haven’t got going yet this half.

Their first real attacking forage down the pitch ends in Leandro Trossard pinging a cross over everybody and out of play.

Come on Leandro, I was bigging you up at half time!

While Casemiro may leave a bit to be desired defensively these days, he still knows how to pass.

He has just played a lovely cross-field ball to the feet of Amad Diallo. Absolutely gorgeous.

Just as we get back underway, why don’t you check out two of our pre-match pieces on Mail+?

I wonder if Steve Bruce is getting the response he wanted to see…

Click below, to read more:

The ball is rolling again at Old Trafford!

Can Man United make their chances count this half, or will Arsenal stamp their authority?

I guess we will find out!

It’s fair to say Roy Keane was not happy with Casemiro at half-time. Imagine him saying this in a very angry voice on Sky Sports.

You’ve got to get up the pitch, just move your feet a little bit quicker!

Leandro Trossard deserves more credit for what he provides for Arsenal.

He seems to always turn up when they need a moment. His goal today is the third out of his last four to open the scoring in a match.

He unlocks the door for them when it matters most.

Paul Merson, First Division winner with Arsenal, on Sky Sports:

Man United have huffed and puffed, but Arsenal are playing in second gear.

It’s just what he does, Leandro Trossard.

He is always there when the Gunners need him, and once again he was in the right place at the right time.

Casemiro won’t want to watch this one bag, he was so sluggish, and if he had just recovered quicker, Kai Havertz would have been offside.

But, he didn’t, and in failing to do so, Arsenal took full advantage.

Arsenal are doing what they came here to do.

The Gunners lead at the break thanks to the man they can always rely on, Leandro Trossard.

In all honesty, the Londoners have not been anywhere near their best, Manchester United have arguably been on top. But, one lapse in concentration and they are behind.

This one is far from over…

Three minutes of stoppage time in the half.

Can Manchester United draw level before the break?

Martin Odegaard is a lucky boy, he is not playing well.

Sofyan Amrabat poaches the ball from under Odegaard’s nose, but his slide-rule pass is poor, and William Saliba manages to hoover up.

If United showed more quality going forward, they’d be back in this game.

What a ball from Amad Diallo to Alejandro Garnacho!

Diallo has been a bright spark for Manchester United and he sets them on their way.

Garnacho drives into the area and fires a ball across the area, but David Raya gets a hand to it.

Arsenal are under the cosh here.

Ian Ladyman, Mail Sport Football editor, at Old Trafford:

Credit to United, they have responded well to going behind.

Manchester United are getting some joy going forward, but more due to Arsenal’s sloppiness at the back.

They win a corner after poor play from Thomas Partey, but then proceed to deliver one of the worst ones I have ever seen.

Scott McTominay is the culprit.

Oh ok, Amad Diallo, I see you.

He shows a bit of trickery to dance past a couple of Arsenal defenders before he goes down under a challenge in the area.

The crowd want a penalty, and so does Diallo, but it’s waved away. VAR then agrees.

After a couple of Manchester United chances, Arsenal are now trying to take the sting out of the game.

The Gunners are just stroking it side-to-side, and United are not exactly putting them under pressure.

Nathan Salt, Mail Sport:

There have actually been bright spots for United in this half. Dalot, Amrabat, and Amad have looked good, while you can see Kobbie Mainoo is slowly getting himself into the game. The longer Arsenal don’t kill this game off the more intriguing it becomes.

Another long shot from Manchester United, and once again, it’s not very good.

Scot McTominay is the man in question this time, he tries to find some space on the edge of the area.

He does and pulls the trigger, but it dribbles wide of the post at about one mph.

That would have been one way to make up for his error.

Casemiro decides to have a go from deep, but it’s headed away. To be fair, it was goal-bound.

Manchester United have decided to start going forward again.

Arsenal continue their assault on Manchester United.

Declan Rice drives forward and the ball is diverted to Takehiro Tomiyasu, who tries to tonk the ball, but it’s blocked.

Then Ben White has a go from a tight angle, and it just flies narrowly past the post.

It’s a barrage from Arsenal.

I’ve just watched the goal again and will echo Ian Ladyman, what is Casemiro doing?

he just ambles out and is the reason Kai Havertz is onside. So poor from such an experienced player.

Arsenal are all over Manchester United now, and they are enjoying themselves.

The Gunners fly forward and now it’s Ben White’s turn to ping a ball into the area, but no one is there to turn it home.

The Arsenal fans are now in fine voice in the corner.

Ian Ladyman, Mail Sport Football editor, at Old Trafford:

Was just thinking what a tight game it was and how well United were doing with their defensive shape and organisation…and now they are behind Casemiro playing everyone onside and then asleep as Trossard appears off his shoulder to score. Next goal critical now…another for Arsenal and it’s time to turn the lights off

Leandro Trossard comes up trumps again!

They have endured a tough opening 20 minutes, but as all good teams do, Arsenal take the lead at Old Trafford.

Trossard loves a big goal, and he drives into the area to tap home Kai Haertz’s cross against the area from close range.

It was far too easy, you have to question the Man United defending there…

Martin Odegaard is not looking his usual self.

I normally swoon at some of the passes he makes, but today, he can’t make a simple six-yard ball, as he just showed us there.

He will need to get back on form if Arsenal are going to reclaim control of this match.

After a nervy early few minutes, Manchester United have been playing some good stuff, they are on top here.

Diogo Dalot now has a pop, but his strike from outside the box sails high and wide.

That was nearly an interesting own goal from Leandro Trossard.

Old Trafford roars as Scot Mctominay drives forward and tries to find Amad Diallo running through, but his pass is Booted behind by Trossard.

It flies dangerously close to the goal, I must say…

While Arsenal look good going forward, they look unusually nervous at the back.

They nearly give it away for a second time as Manchester United press, but Declan Rice’s hospital pass to David Raya is dealt with accordingly by the Spaniard.

That was way too easy for Arsenal.

we know the Gunners are good from corners, but Manchester United look all over the place when Bukayo Saka sends one in.

The ball lands on the head of Gabriel, but it flies over. No one was challenging him, he should have got it on target.

Nathan Salt, Mail Sport:

It’s quite interesting to me that Sofyan Amrabat is almost dropping in like a third centre back. Given how depleted they are, may not be the worst idea.

Man United have suddenly perked up.

The Rasmus Hojlund chance has given them a lift, and now Alejandro Garnacho fires over the bar via a deflection.

Arsenal try to break from the resulting set piece, but United win it back.

Ohhhhh, Rasmus Hojlund, that is a massive chance!

It’s rare that Arsenal give the ball away at the back, but William Saliba underhits a pass to Thomas Partey.

Scot McTominay manages to intercept the ball, and Hojlund is through under pressure, but he slips and skews wide.

He had to do much better there, it was a gift.

It’s all Arsenal, Manchester United can’t get out.

The Gunners test Andre Onana for the first time through Bukayo Saka, but Onana is more than a match for his tame effort.

It’s one-way traffic…

Ian Ladyman, Mail Sport Football editor, at Old Trafford:

Was interested to read this morning how Mikel Arteta has placed a deliberate emphasis on increasing the physical make up of his team.Looking at the Arsenal players in a huddle before kick-it was hard not to notice what a big team they are these days… Will it be men against boys today?

Arsenal look well up for this.

They flow forward in a familiar gorgeous fashion before winning an early corner, which is cleared.

They then fly forward again, but Bukayo Saka can’t send in a troubling cross.

United fans sing their version of ‘Take Me Home’ to rally their troops.

Arsenal fans are in fine voice too and the players make their way over to the corner they are in for a last-minute team talk.

Right, the Gunners get us underway…

There is not a single cloud in the sky as the teams arise from the tunnel at Old Trafford.

The crowd roars as they see their Manchester United side enter the turf, more out of hope than expectation.

This has the feeling of the monster clash that is, the atmosphere shows it.

Sadly, it’s briefly ruined by the Premier League anthem…

What a signing Declan Rice has proven to be for Arsenal!

He has been a joy to watch this season, but he has really stepped up his levels lately, just look at the statistics.

Rice will be key for the Gunners at Old Trafford. If he plays well, Arsenal may get over the line…

Wayne Rooney, Manchester United’s all-time top goalscorer, speaking about Bukayo Saka on Sky Sports:

He (Bukayo Saka) is fantastic. If you go from the last couple of years, one of the best players in the Premier League.

Considering the week they have had, the Manchester United fans still seem to be enjoying themselves.

The songs are already flowing in the Stretford End, they are up for this one.

I reckon the sunshine helps too, it always makes fans happy!

Nathan Salt, Mail Sport:

Huge opportunity for Amad Diallo today, fans have been calling for him to get a start after his dramatic FA Cup winner against Liverpool and with Bruno Fernandes injured he’s got that chance today.

United’s right side has been a revolving door all season with Jadon Sancho, Facundo Pellistri, Antony, Omari Forson, Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford all among those who have given it a go. If United are to cause any damage today they’ll need this young and vibrant front three to be bang at it. Opportunity knocks…

It’s been a long time since Arsenal have done the double over Manchester United, 17 years in fact.

However, that could change today.

Mikel Arteta’s side won 3-1 in the reverse fixture back in September thanks to late goals from Declan Rice and Gabriel Jesus.

It means that if they win today, they will complete the league double over United for the first time since 2006-07.

This is the best chance they have had to do so in years.

I reckon even Amad Diallo was surprised when he got told that he would be starting.

It’s rare that we see the younger winner from the start, so rare that it hasn’t been seen in the Premier League for nearly three years.

It’s his chance to impress, can he take it?

How United wish they could have these two available today.

Manchester United legends Wayne Rooney and Roy Keane know a thing or two about this rivalry, specifically Keane.

I bet the Irishman would love to play today, and to be fair, even at his current age he could probably do a job in that midfield…

To say the Manchester United bench is inexperienced is an understatement.

Mail Sport’s Nathan Salt has kindly put together how many appearances each of them have made this season and combined it’s a total of 80.

The starting line-up is weak, but with not much to work with on the bench, they may have to stick with it.

Oliver Holt, Mail Sport Chief Sports Writer, at Old Trafford:

I thought Manchester United had a chance of upsetting Arsenal today. I wondered if Man City’s relentlessness and the apparent pointlessness of Arsenal’s pursuit might grind Mikel Arteta’s side down. I wondered if maybe United would be so stung by the defeat to Palace they would come out firing.

But now we’ve seen the team sheets, I can’t see that United line-up getting anything out of this game. It’s one of the weakest United line-ups of the last few years.

Ian Ladyman, Mail Sport Football editor, at Old Trafford:

Just been handed a team sheet as I walked in the door at Old Trafford. If this United team gets anything today it will be a miracle….. (So I’m going for a 2-2 draw).

Guess what? Bukayo Saka is fit. He always makes it.

It means Arsenal are unchanged for a fourth match in a row.

Looking at this line-up compared to that of Manchester United, I can only see this going one way. Arsenal’s.

No Bruno Fernandes again…

Erik ten Hag has made three changes from the sides’ embarrassment at Crystal Palace on Monday.

Amad Diallo comes in for his first Premier League start of the season, while Sofyan Amrabat and Scott Mctominay return.

I must say, it’s not the strongest-looking team…

The challengers have arrived.

It’s a huge day for Arsenal, how will they cope at a stadium they have not enjoyed good fortunes at in recent seasons.?

This is a different set of players to years gone by, and they look focused for the task ahead.

I’m starting to get very excited.

there is a buzz around Old Trafford as anticipation grows for what is to come.

The United players have arrived at Old Trafford, but which 11 players will start at 4.30pm.

We will find out in 10 minutes…

Gary Neville, former Manchester United captain, speaking on Sky Sports:

None of the top 10 teams have won here (at Old Trafford) apart from (Manchester) City. It’s a difficult place to come to, Liverpool found that. It can be a graveyard for teams, Arsenal haven’t got the best record here.

They (Arsenal) are in far better form and are a far better team. Manchester United are decimated at the back. Difficult day here for United, but strange things can happen at Old Trafford.

The fans are getting in nice and early for this monster clash.

The sun is shining, the t-shirts are back out – it’s a lovely day for a match of this magnitude.

Will the atmosphere at Old Trafford be up to scratch?

United will need it to be…

Arsenal have not enjoyed most of their recent trips to Old Trafford…

They have only beaten Manchester United away from home once in their past 16 visits, losing 10 of those.

The solitary victory came in November 2020. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang netted the only goal of the game from the penalty spot.

Can this Arsenal side, do what many other sides couldn’t, and win?

Manchester United fans, you might want to look away.

The Red Devils are on course for their worst-ever Premier League campaign, it’s been a dreadful year for them.

They have lost a total of 13 times in the Premier League this season, which is the most defeats they have racked up in a season since 1989-90.

Erik ten Hag’s side have also conceded 81 goals in all competitions, they haven’t let in more for 53 years. Ouch.

The statistics aren’t finished there, I’ve got more.

If United lose today they will equal their club record of nine home defeats in a season. They haven’t hit that number for 50 years.

So yeah, it’s not looking good for United, I bet they can’t wait for the campaign to end.

It seems both Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford really want to take in the occasion today…

The pair arrived at Old Trafford just shy of five hours before the start of the match. It seems they are monitoring every small detail of the stadium’s preparations.

It’s clear these two want to bring back the good old days to United, can their team provide a throwback performance and win today?

They will be hoping so.

Manchester United vs Arsenal is an iconic fixture in so many ways.

The rivalry these two have built over the years due to sheer competition makes it one of the most fascinating fixtures in the Premier League.

From Arsenal winning the title at Old Trafford in 2002, to United humiliating Arsene Wenger’s side in 2011, this clash has brought so many memories.

It may not have quite the same sting that it did in the early 200s, but it’s clear that both sides still strongly dislike each other.

What will they serve us today?

I can’t believe we only have one week left of the season.

We have been treated to an enthralling title race this season, which for so long saw three teams go tit-for-tat in hopes of securing glory.

Well, we are now down to just two teams, Manchester City and Arsenal.

The Gunners can go one point above City with a win over United today, however, the current leaders will have a game in hand.

It’s still so tight, and I have a feeling it will be until the very final day.

Where to start with Manchester United…

The Red Devils have been dreadful this season, and in truth, I think that’s putting it lightly.

Their 4-0 loss to Crystal Palace was the peak of their poor performances this season, I couldn’t believe what was unravelling before my eyes.

United need to respond in some way today, but the opposition they face makes it hard to see them coming away with anything more than a point.

However, Erik ten Hag’s side have been in this position before this season, and then went on to derail Liverpool’s season… twice.

They would love to do the same to the Gunners, but it would mean they parctically hand the title over to their ‘noisy neigbours’, City.

No one knows which United side will turn up, but I guess we will have to wait and see.

Do Arsenal have what it takes to be champions?

They have answered that question on many occasions this season, but if they fail to do so today, then they won’t be.

Arsenal know they have to win to leapfrog Manchester City back to the summit. Anything less than a win and they practically wave goodbye to the title.

On paper, the Gunners should have a field day against a Manchester United team having one of their worst seasons in Premier League history.

However, Mikel Arteta’s side won’t be kidding themselves, it’s going to be harder than people expect at Old Trafford today. They have a dreadful recent record there.

They are going to have to turn that around today…

I’m going to be blunt. It’s do-or-die for Arsenal today.

Games don’t get much bigger this. A Premier League classic that has given us many unforgettable moments. It’s Manchester United vs Arsenal.

In the past, they have battled for titles, and gone toe-to-toe in season-defining match-ups, but now times have changed.

While Arsenal are embroiled in a tense title race which is nearing its conclusion, Manchester United have never been further away from one than they are now.

However, they can still have their say.

It’s going to be a cracker, games like this always bring excitement and emotion that not all can. I bet the Arsenal fans are extremely nervous…

Right, let’s get this show on the road!