So much for United only playing in boring ‘big’ games, eh?
It took just four minutes for Manchester United to open the scoring at Arsenal, and fans and viewers alike were in for a treat. The Red Devils would hang on in the end, winning 3-1, in what was the game of the season so far.
David De Gea proved why he’s the best goalkeeper in the world, equalizing a Premier League record 14 saves in the match. Paul Pogba was fantastic in the match, setting up both Antonio Valencia and Jesse Lingard, however, he was sent off in the second half.
Jesse Lingard continued his marvelous form — bagging a crucial brace as United secured all three points.
This game was end to end — unbelievably exciting. However, like so many times in the past, Jose Mourinho got the better of Arsene Wenger.
Here’s our player ratings from the exciting match:
Player ratings
GK David de Gea, 10 — This rating is an over-exaggeration. De Gea was un-real, awe-inspiring. He made 14 saves — tying a PL record. His double save to preserve the United lead. He’s the best in the world and the man of the match.
DF Antonio Valencia, 8 — Playing as a right-wing back Valencia got forward early and often — and it paid off. He played a one-two with Pogba and his double-nutmeg goal gave the Red Devils a dream start.
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DF Victor Lindelof, 6 — Lindelof couldn’t keep his great form going. He wasn’t bad, but he wasn’t great. He was one of three central defenders and Arsenal found it easy to exploit the gaps.
DF Chris Smalling, 6 — Very similiar to Lindelof. He wasn’t great, but Smalling was just good enough today.
Marcos Rojo, 6.5 — Rojo looked a little better than his fellow center-backs, however, he too struggled with a basic clearance today.
DF Ashley Young, 7.5 — Young was deployed as a left-wing back and was solid as always. He dind’t score any, but his defending and willingness to get forward was huge for the team today.
MF Nemanja Matic, 8 — Another great outing from the Serbian. Protected the backline and helped try to get the tempo back in United’s favor when the game seemed to be moving too fast for his side.
MF Paul Pogba, 9.5 — This was a new Pogba. Last year, he would have disappeared. Today, he was a leader. He had two assists and it was one of his best overall performances for Manchester United. He did suffer a harsh red card at the end of the match and will be out for the upcoming Manchester Derby next weekend. Gut-wrenching.
MF Jesse Lingard, 9 — Lingard once again proved his worth. He scored a brace at the Emirates — A BRACE! Operating as a No. 10 he was pressing all game and it paid off.
FW Anthony Martial, 7.5 — Martial was great in the first half, but Arsenal’s posession domination in the second half limited his effectiveness. He linked up great with Romelu Lukaku and Lingard for United’s second goal. Was upset to be replaced in the second half.
FW Romelu Lukaku, 7.5 — Another match without a goal for the Belgian, however, he still made an impact. He played through Martial who in turn assisted Lingard for United’s second. He tracked back on defense and gave it his all.
Substitutes
MF Ander Herrera, 6.5 — On for Martial in the 61′. The Spaniard was brought on to see the game out. Picked up a yellow card and was his normal, disruptful self out there.
DF Matteo Darmian, 6.5 — Darmian was brought on to replace Lingard in the 71′. An extra defender to help United maintain their lead.
FW Marcus Rashford, NR — On for Young in stoppage time. Couldn’t impact the match.
Next: Arsenal vs. Manchester United combined XI
This was a huge win for Manchester United. They played wonderful attacking football and it paid off. However, Pogba’s red card looms huge as the crucial Manchester Derby sits on the horizon.