Arsenal emerged victorious with a 1-0 win over Manchester United, a result that smacked against the pre-match expectations. The bristling confidence of Mikel Arteta’s team was evident as they took to the pitch, leading to the only goal of the match, scored by Leandro Trossard, during the first half. However, it was a precarious lead, everyone was aware including Arteta that a momentary lapse could obliterate the advantage.
Just five minutes before the end, the tension was palpable with the Arsenal team bearing the weight of their recent failings at their rivals’ home – they had managed only one win in their last 16 Premier League appearances at Old Trafford. They needed to win to respond to Manchester City’s triumph at Fulham the previous day, to leapfrog them in the standings, and ensure their title hopes live to see the final day of the season.
Their efforts paid off, with a blissful mix of relief and elation coursing through the team when the final whistle blew. Fans[ folwed their triumph amidst a downpour that brought hailstones, creating a dramatic conclusion to the day. Despite not putting up their best creative display, with defenders Ben White and William Saliba standing out as their best players, the result was what truly counted for Arsenal.
There were doubts, can City falter at this final hurdle, especially when their next game is at Tottenham, a historically challenging venue? They had never fumbled in such situations under Pep Guardiola, making Arsenal’s task of hoping for a slip-up that much trickier.
Before the match, United fans didn’t hold much hope despite the overwhelming cheer and support that echoed at the kickoff. Their fears weren’t misplaced. The sight of so many key players missing, among them Casemiro and Jonny Evans, particularly at the defence was a daunting prospect. United had remained the same from their unsettling performance at Crystal Palace. Arsenal, on the other hand, walked into Old Trafford unchanged, riding the momentum from previous successes.
Despite Arsenal being the favourites to net a minimum of three goals as per several betting firms, Manchester United put up a spirited fight early on. The Red Devils could have drawn first blood, with an opportunity arising when Scott McTominay dispossessed Thomas Partey, leaving Rasmus Højlund with a clear sight on goal, but an unfortunate slip cost them.
United’s performance in the initial twenty minutes was commendable, clinching several battles, though Arsenal did exert pressure, especially during corner kicks. Aaron Wan-Bissaka was crucial in clearing any imminent danger. United’s Achilles heel, however, is their constant susceptibility to collapse.
The first blow was delivered when André Onana took a direct approach, with Casemiro catering to a short pass and White heading Saliba’s ball towards Kai Havertz on the right. Havertz appeared to be offside, later proven false by Casemiro’s lagging position. Havertz out-maneuvered Evans to deliver a low cross, which was converted by Trossard, who had shaken off Wan-Bissaka.
Arsenal nearly doubled their lead at the 29-minute mark, with a White-Bukayo Saka move resulting in a narrowly off-target attempt. United, however, remained resilient till halftime, despite not having a lot of clear opportunities.
The second half saw the return of Sofyan Amrabat, who made a visible impact in midfield before being subbed off to warm applause. Amad Diallo, starting over Antony at right-wing, made a fine demonstration of agile footwork and swift shifts. Youngster Kobbie Mainoo also hinted at potential.
Mikel Arteta, who had previously enjoyed league success at the ground in November 2020, desperately needed a similar result. His team needed to control the second half, with any residual scoreline of 1-0 churning his stomach in anxiety.
Despite a goal-attempt by Declan Rice being thwarted by Wan-Bissaka and Diogo Dalot and Alejandro Garnacho pushing from the left, the home fans could smell an equaliser. The supporters’ relentless backing, in a period of relative darkness for the club, was admirable.
A superb tackle from Saliba successfully halted Garnacho in his progress. An additional occurrence saw the United winger executing a misjudged curler after an attempt to create a shooting opportunity. More often than not, Garnacho’s concluding action presented disappointment.
It appeared tense for anyone linked with Arsenal. They opted for a defensive approach during certain moments of the second half, urging United to dominate. Martin Ødegaard’s shot didn’t pose much of a challenge for Onana, but substitute Antony managed to wrestle the ball away from Takehiro Tomiyasu, albeit with an unsuccessful shot.
Despite the setbacks, Garnacho persisted; he often found himself on the precipice of success, only to fall just short. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Onana made impressive saves from Gabriel Martinelli’s tip-over and managed to block both a backwards flick from Wan-Bissaka and a powerful drive from Rice. – Guardian