How Arsenal overcame Manchester United at The Emirates: Analysis and recap

Arsenal took another huge step towards Champions League qualification with a crucial 3-1 victory over Manchester United at Emirates Stadium.

A Nuno Tavares tap in, Bukayo Saka penalty and Granit Xhaka screamer were the difference in a pulsating contest in North London, where Cristiano Ronaldo also left his mark by scoring his 100th Premier League goal.

Arsenal started the game in the ascendency and took the lead just three minutes in. Xhaka’s cross evaded two United defenders and fell to Saka at the back post, who saw his shot parried into the path of Tavares to tap home.

United almost responded immediately after Ronaldo slipped a through ball into the path of Anthony Elanga, who failed to convert his one-on-one effort.

Bruno Fernandes missed a good chance for United before Elanga saw a penalty appeal turned down, as the tide began to swing. Ronaldo then skied a half chance before Diogo Dalot hit the crossbar following some slick United passing on the edge of the box.

Just before the half hour mark drama ensued when Eddie Nketiah thought he’d doubled Arsenal’s lead after slotting a loose ball into the net from close range. The offside flag went up against the young forward, with VAR called into action to check the goal.

The offside decision stood, but Arsenal were then awarded a penalty after Alex Telles was adjudged to have fouled Saka in the build-up. Saka stepped up and sent David de Gea the wrong way from the spot.

United replied almost instantly as two minutes later, Ronaldo met Nemanja Matic’s cross at the back post to steer an effort into the net at the back post.

The second half didn’t quite have the same thrill factor as the first, but the football was free-flowing and both teams continued to attack adeptly.

Ten minutes into the second period United were awarded a penalty after Tavares handled the ball in the area, but Fernandes’ weak penalty struck the post.

United continued to look threatening and just after the hour mark Ronaldo had a goal chalked off. He volleyed in from a tight angle following a flick on from Scott McTominay, but the Portuguese strayed just offside.

Moments later Dalot hit the woodwork again, this time after being played in down the right. He tried to beat Aaron Ramsdale at his near post but the keeper made a brilliant fingertip save to tip the ball onto the post.

With just under 20 minutes to go, Arsenal delivered the sucker punch. United failed to clear their lines and the ball fell to Xhaka who drilled a vicious effort into the bottom corner from 25 yards.

The Gunners sat back and preserved their two goal advantage, as they claimed a mammoth three points and stretched their advantage over sixth-placed United to six points.

Ralf Rangnick’s side have it all to do if they’re to qualify for next season’s Champions League, whilst Arsenal are back in the driving seat for finishing in the top four.

(Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)