Manchester United clinch top four finish
By Wyatt Miner
In Arsene Wenger’s last fixture with Manchester United, the Red Devils proved why they belong in the top four.
Manchester United got off to a quick start, with a goal coming in the fifteenth minute. Romelu Lukaku sent a cross into the box to find Alexis Sanchez at the back post. The Chilean headed the ball towards the net, but Hector Bellerin put his foot to it to deny the former Arsenal man. The ball fell to Paul Pogba for a simple tap in.
Furthermore, Manchester United’s early goal set the tone for the rest of the match. Additionally, Arsenal’s mistake in the back line appears as a regular occurrence, as the Gunners fell short numerous times this season.
At the start of the match, Arsenal looked the dominate side. However, Manchester United regained control of the match briefly before their first goal in the fifteenth minute. After the first goal, Arsenal could not maintain possession. So, as a direct result, Arsenal looked much like a Jose Mourinho side that absorbs the attack.
In a rare showing from United, the team took a dominate role in the match because Arsenal could not get the ball out of their half.
While Manchester United dominated possession in the first half, Arsenal pulled one back in the fiftieth minute.
The Armenian sent a shot towards David de Gea between the legs of a defender to find the back of the net. By the time de Gea saw the shot, it was already too late to be saved.
Even though Arsenal scored, they could not take the ball away from United. During most of the second half, United kept the pressure on Wenger’s side. On occasion, Arsenal would find themselves in United’s half, but they ultimately could not net a second one.
Towards the end of the match, a cross came into the box, and the United players scrambled to fire it into the back of the net. It was Marcus Rashford that found the ball, but he was ruled offsides.
That did not phase Manchester United, though. In extra time, Ashley Young crossed the ball in towards Marouane Fellaini, and he tapped it in off the back of his head. While the Belgian receives a lot of criticism, he clinched United’s top four position.
Next: Manchester United vs Arsenal: the last of an iconic fixture
Because of this win, Manchester United will finish in the top four. On the other hand, Arsenal cannot breach the top four. Now, Arsenal must invest their energy in the Europa League for a shot at the Champions League. The Red Devils now must focus their energy on a Friday matchup with Brighton and Hove Albion. If United wins out, Mourinho can consider this season a triumph.