Antony and Rashford inflict first defeat on Arsenal

Man Utd ended Arsenal's 100% record thanks to a 3-1 victory at Old Trafford in the Premier League game of the weekend. Debutant Antony gave Man Utd the lead in the first half after Arsenal had a goal disallowed by VAR earlier in the half. Bukayo Saka levelled for the Gunners on the hour mark, but Rashford scored twice in the final 25 minutes to give Ten Hag's men the points. The first half saw both teams enjoy good spells while Arsenal started the second period well before falling away after Rashford's first goal.

Eriksen had the first chance after eight minutes when Dalot picked out Eriksen at the back post and the Dane volleyed wide of the mark. Moments later, Saliba had an effort at the other end, but United were the playing the better football. However, after 15 minutes, Martinelli thought he had given Arsenal the lead with a lovely finish past De Gea after being played in by Saka. The VAR had other ideas though as he spotted a foul on Eriksen by Odegaard as the Norwegian dispossessed his opponent.

After the goal, Arsenal had the better of proceedings and De Gea had to make a fine stop to prevent Martinelli scoring. As Arsenal were on top, debutant Antony scored for Man Utd against the run of play. Bruno Fernandes was fouled in the build-up, the referee played advantage as the ball broke to Sancho, he passed to Rashford who assisted Antony and the former Ajax man made no mistake. It was the perfect way for the Brazilian to make his mark on his debut. Man Utd went in 1-0 up at half-time and it was all to play for in the second period. 

 

September 4, 2022

Mikel Arteta's side came out the better team in the second 45. Saka hit an effort wide of the mark after Odegaard had failed to turn a ball into the goal moments earlier. Then, Saka combined with Martinelli and the Englishman struck the crossbar with his cross. The away side continued to press, Ronaldo came on for Antony, and on the hour mark, Arsenal deservedly levelled. Man Utd lost the ball in their own half, Odegaard's ball intended for Jesus was cut out by Dalot whose clearance only went as far as Saka and he hit home. 

The Gunners were the better team and went to try and get a second, but they were caught out on the counter. Arsenal lost the ball in United's half and Bruno Fernandes played a tremendous through ball for Marcus Rashford who beat Ramsdale in the one on one situation. It could have been three when Ramsdale took too long on the ball and the 'keeper made amends to deny Fernandes.

The away side did not throw in the towel and Gabriel Jesus curled one wide of the far post while Arteta introduced Smith-Rowe, Fabio Vieira and Nketiah in search of an equaliser. Before his new trio had time to make an impact, United found the back of the net again to kill off the contest. Fernandes once again played a lovely ball, this time for Eriksen, and he squared for Rashford to tap in.

The result sees Arsenal remain top despite losing their 100% record while Man Utd have now won four games in a row after losing to Brighton and Brentford in their first two games and lie sixth.