Below are the talking points from the action-packed encounter and what that result means for both sides:
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It is safe to say that Manchester United’s slim top-four hopes are all but over now. Ralf Rangnick’s side suffered another defeat away from home, this time to Arsenal 3-1. It was a direct battle in the Premier League top-four race, in which they came second. Following United’s recent run of poor results, they needed to win this match at the Emirates Stadium to have any chance of securing a Champions League spot. As it happened, early defensive lapses allowed Arsenal to take a 2-0 lead. Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 100th Premier League goal to reduce the deficit in the first half.
It gave the visitors the momentum to produce an impressive performance in the second half, but a missed penalty by Bruno Fernandes and an offside goal amongst other missed opportunities cost Rangnick’s side dearly. A screamer from Granit Xhaka deep into the second period sealed the three points for the home side. As a result, Manchester United are on 54 points from 34 games. They are six points behind Arsenal, having played a game more. Below are the talking points from the action-packed encounter and what that result means for both sides:
On the back of the humiliating 4-0 defeat against Liverpool in the midweek, Manchester United were expected to bounce back with a statement win. As it turned out, the Red Devils found themselves 2-0 down pretty early in the match, thanks to their poor defending. Arsenal did well to test United’s shaky defence without creating many clear-cut opportunities.
READ MORE – Ronaldo’s 100th Premier League goal goes in vain as the Gunners win 3-1
The home side did not have to work hard for their chances, as the Gunners benefitted massively from the visitors’ poor defending. Even in the second half when United dominated the proceedings, the home side always had a chance of scoring because of the shaky nature of United’s defence. It was not a brilliant display by Arsenal but they did well to take advantage of United’s massive weakness in defence.
The Red Devils have now lost four away league games in a row. It happened for the first time since a run of six between December 1980 and March 1981. This is not a record any manager would want to have on his CV but Ralf Rangnick, unfortunately, has to live with it. It all started with the humiliating 4-1 defeat away to Manchester City.
Next up was an embarrassing 1-0 loss to struggling Everton. It followed up with the 4-0 humiliation at Anfield against Liverpool and the 3-1 defeat on Saturday to Arsenal. To United’s credit, they played well against Arsenal but poor early defending cost them big time. Rangnick would want his side to end this bad run as quickly as possible before the season ends.
READ MORE – ‘A big performance,’ says the Gunners boss Mikel Arteta after the 3-1 win
The Gunners have been experiencing an impressive run of form since the turn of the year. They did go through a mini blip recently. However, the Gunners ended that poor run with an impressive 4-2 victory at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea.
Their latest victory against Manchester United means Arsenal are on 60 points from 33 games and are two points clear of fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur. Their long wait to play Champions League football might very well happen next season if they can continue this good run of form in the remaining matches of this season.
Manchester City vs Liverpool: Talking points from the action-packed draw
