The Gunners headed into the game as the only side left in the division with a perfect record.
Manchester United, meanwhile, had won their last three and likely fancied their chances against a weakened Arsenal.
When all was said and done at Old Trafford, it was Manchester United who came away with the victory.
The tie began in rather scrappy fashion with United creating the first chance eight minutes in. Antony’s clever pass was received and crossed to Christian Eriksen who fired a volley wide.
It was Arsenal who thought they had opened the scoring. Christian Eriksen was dispossessed by Martin Odegaard before Albert Sambi Lokonga played in Gabriel Martinelli who chipped David de Gea. However, Odegaard was adjudged to have fouled Eriksen in the build-up.
DRAMA AT OLD TRAFFORD! 🚨
Gabriel Martinelli’s breakaway goal ruled out by VAR for a foul in the buildup! ❌ pic.twitter.com/1nZBkTfZOc
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 4, 2022
Arsenal then grew into the game as the first 45 wore on, pinning United back in their own half. But just as Arsenal began to control the tie, Manchester United went 1-0 up in the 34th minute. Zinchenko left Antony unmarked and he slotted past Aaron Ramsdale:
🌟 𝐀 𝐍 𝐓 𝐎 𝐍 𝐘 🌟
It’s a dream debut goal for Man Utd’s new star signing! 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/xxYfaqnLAU
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 4, 2022
SAKA HAS LEVELLED IT! 😲
Arsenal have dominated in the second half and now they have their reward ✅ pic.twitter.com/r8zIbq5fng
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 4, 2022
Yet again, though, Manchester United came back despite Arsenal being the better side. Bruno Fernandes played a lovely pass through the middle to Rashford who slotted past Ramsdale.
The Red Devils made it 3-1 after 75 minutes to kill the game off. Arsenal were pushed very high, allowing Eriksen to break and cut it back to Rashford.
Manchester United player ratings
David de Gea (5) – Made a good save to deny a Martinelli header. Didn’t do much wrong for Saka’s goal.
Diogo Dalot (6) – Another solid showing from Dalot. He was good in the air and drove forward well to help out in attack.
Lisandro Martinez (4.5) – Not his best display in a United shirt. He struggled to deal with Jesus and it was his clearance that fell straight to Saka for his goal.
Raphael Varane (5) – Struggled to deal with Jesus for much of the match.
Tyrell Malacia (4.5) – Had a hard time defensively vs Saka and Odegaard.
Scott McTominay (6.5) – Started bright, passing was solid and he made some key tackles.
Christian Eriksen (7.5) – Played a quality pass to Bruno Fernandes in the build-up to the opening goal. Key role in United’s second and got the assist for the third.
Antony (7) – Very clever skill early in the game that nearly resulted in a United goal. Calm finish for the opener.
Bruno Fernandes (7) – Superb pass to send Rashford through for his goal and he got the pre-assist for the third.
Jadon Sancho (6) – Caused Ben White and co. issues all afternoon with his quick feet.
Marcus Rashford (7.5) – Hardly touched the ball in the first 45 but still provided the assist for Antony’s effort. Scored twice in the second half thanks to some clever passing on the part of Fernandes and Eriksen.
Substitutes
Cristiano Ronaldo (3) – Did little of note.
Fred (5) – Pressed Odegaard well to diminish his attacking threat.
Casemiro (N/A)
Harry Maguire (3) – Looked low on confidence any time he was near the ball.
Arsenal player ratings
Aaron Ramsdale (4.5) – Questionable keeping for the Antony goal.
Ben White (5) – Didn’t offer much going forward but was decent at the back.
William Saliba (5) – Should have done better when the ball fell to him in the United box nine minutes in. Positioning was poor for the home side’s second.
Gabriel (5.5) – Had very little to do on the day.
Oleksandr Zinchenko (4) – Poor positioning for Antony’s goal.
Albert Sambi Lokonga (4.5) – Struggled to pick up Rashford and Fernandes when they were dropping deep to collect the ball. Looked out of his depth for much of the 90.
Granit Xhaka (6) – Clever interception to win back the ball in the build-up to Saka’s effort.
Bukayo Saka (7) – One of Saka’s better showings so far this term. He linked up well with Odegaard and was unlucky not to win a penalty. Calm finish for his goal.
Martin Odegaard (5.5) – Pressed well and created some chances. Should have done better with a chance of his own 52 minutes in. His poor pass to Jesus led to United’s second.
Gabriel Martinelli (6.5) – Scored early on but had his goal ruled out for a foul.
Gabriel Jesus (7.5) – Another lively showing for Jesus whose movement on and off the ball was a constant threat for United.
Substitutes
Emile Smith Rowe – Failed to have much impact on the match.
Eddie Nketiah (3) – Only had three touches.
Takehiro Tomiyasu (N/A)
Fabio Vieira (3) – Offered little going forward.
Fan reaction
We’ve all missed our old friends this weekend – Mr and Mrs Clear & Obvious. #MUNARS
— Mark Pougatch (@markpougatch) September 4, 2022
Red Card #MUFC pic.twitter.com/SYiA9sHcrS
— giggs (@Q8Wafi) September 4, 2022
Rashford pressing highlights pic.twitter.com/eArE53HIUi
— noe🧐 (@not_eonnn) September 4, 2022
Mikel’s killed us with them subs, I know there was fitness issues with some of the players who came off but he’s got that well wrong. #afc
— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) September 4, 2022
Expert view
VAR here is Lee Mason. He was also VAR for Newcastle v Palace when perfectly good goal disallowed on review.#MUFC
— Laurie Whitwell (@lauriewhitwell) September 4, 2022
Rashford can’t get in the game for United. Jesus is relishing the physical battle with Varane and coming out on top at times. A constant outlet for Arsenal and a thorn in the side of #mufc
— Tyrone Marshall (@TyMarshall_MEN) September 4, 2022
How Jesus is prospering at Arsenal is a reminder how many players with immense talent are stockpiled by the biggest clubs. So few minutes for such a good player before this move. Others across the top leagues. Can’t think of a time when so much talent doesn’t play much.
— tariq panja (@tariqpanja) September 4, 2022
I would say that all United’s threat has come from Rashford/Fernandes dropping in to pick the ball up between Arsenal’s midfield and defence.
Sambi’s inexperience showing?
— gunnerblog (@gunnerblog) September 4, 2022
This isn’t what VAR is for. It’s not there to re referee games. Yes, it’s probably a foul but it’s not a howler of a decision. I’m surprised that’s been ruled out. Although maybe I shouldn’t be🙄
— Michael Owen (@themichaelowen) September 4, 2022
What a load of crap. #var #MUNARS
— Alan Shearer (@alanshearer) September 4, 2022
