Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League with a 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford, taking the title race to the final day.
Leandro Trossard’s early goal from Kai Havertz’s right-wing cross gave the Gunners the lead despite Erik Ten Hag’s injury United struggled to equalize but were unable to do so as Mikel Arteta’s side kept a clean sheet for the 18th time this season.
The three points put them one point ahead of defending champions Manchester City, who have a game in hand against Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday, live sky sports. Whatever happens in midweek, the Premier League title race now heads into the final day of the season.
On a day when Manchester United’s women’s team clinched the FA Cup at Wembley, the men’s team’s struggles continued. The defeat means they remain three points behind eighth-placed Chelsea and West Ham United, with their European title hopes on the line.
Arsenal’s title race continues
Manchester United, who suffered a 4-0 defeat at Crystal Palace earlier this week, had no reason to be confident due to poor form and a depleted team, but they actually started the game with plenty of hope, giving Arsenal a The defense poses some problems.
Rasmus Hoylund had a great chance inside five minutes when Scott McTominay stole the ball from Thomas Partey but the young striker lost the ball on goal balance. Arteta urged calm and Arsenal were rewarded when United canceled out their good work.
Casemiro’s defensive play has been criticized of late, and his role in the breakaway goal did little to stop that criticism. It was his slow jog when he should have been squeezing through that left Kai Havertz on the other side of the pitch.
Havertz and Tronald beat Andre Onana from close range. This is another important goal from the Belgian. He has started just 17 of Arsenal’s 37 Premier League games but this was his third opener in three weeks.
Amad Diallo, making his first start of the season, did pose a threat at the other end and there were calls for a penalty when he went down under Partey’s challenge, but this was dismissed. When United tied the score, they needed some time.
Alejandro Ganaccio tried to provide a shot but Ben White and William Saliba rose to the challenge and when he found space the winger fired over. Arsenal were somewhat passive early in the second half but undoubtedly took confidence from their defensive record.
Onana remained busier, saving a number of players from substitutes Gabriel Martinelli and Declan Rice. While a late goal would certainly have ended Arsenal’s title ambitions, it was a gutless ending. Arteta’s side continue to strive for glory.
Arsenal win on numbers
- Arsenal have won three consecutive Premier League games against Manchester United for the first time since September 1998.
- Arsenal’s win at Old Trafford was their 27th in the Premier League this season, having only won more in the top flight in 1970-71 (29) and 1930-31 (28). Multi-league competition.
- Manchester United have lost 19 games in all competitions this season, their most since the 1978-79 season (also 19 games).
- Arsenal have kept clean sheets in seven of their last eight away games in the Premier League, while only Chelsea in 2008-09 have kept more clean sheets on the road in a single season than their 11 this season.
- Manchester United have conceded 10 consecutive games in all competitions for the first time since October 2021, and the 82 goals they have conceded this season are the most since the 1970-71 season (also 82).
Arsenal defense boosts title race
With United holding a one-goal lead and struggling to equalize in front of a packed Old Trafford, it should have been an embarrassing end for Arteta’s Arsenal. Their championship ambitions are at stake and any misstep could be costly.
They never really looked like relinquishing a 1-0 lead on Sunday afternoon. In stark contrast to last season’s impatience, there is a calmness about this Arsenal. It builds on the best defensive record in the Premier League – especially away from home.
Away from home, vulnerabilities are exposed and Arsenal remain hopeful of a tie against Manchester City on Tuesday in Tottenham’s favour, if this magical season is to end with a title. It was on the road that Arsenal made their biggest impression.
This was their 11th clean sheet in their final away game of the Premier League season. City have only managed six of them so far, while no team in the competition has more than four. This is the clear difference between them and others.
Continuity obviously helps. Saliba is the unquestioned best player at Old Trafford, having started every Premier League game this season. Gabriel has been paired with him on defense in 33 of the last 34 games. They are excellent.
It may not be enough, but no matter what happens next week, Arsenal have the best defense in the Premier League. Over the past four seasons, no team has conceded fewer goals than the eventual champions. Arsenal hope this continues.
What’s next?
The final day of the Premier League will be Sunday, May 19, with all games kicking off at 4pm. Manchester United will travel to Burnley, while Arsenal will face Everton at home.
Before then, United face Newcastle at Old Trafford on Wednesday 15 May – live sky sports; Starts at 8pm.
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