To remain in the hunt of an improbable top four and a Champions League spot, Arsenal had to win the game on the New Year day. And they performed consistently in the game against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Red Devils to hand Mikel Arteta his first win as a permanent manager of Arsenal in 2020.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Manchester United came into the game with just one loss in nine previous game and were hopeful of getting all the three points. They even started on a brighter note but the things overturned once Nicolas Pepe scored his fifth goal of the season after the ball deflected from the cross of Sead Kolasinac.
The record signing of Arsenal, Nicolas Pepe looked a real deal for the money against Manchester United. He roared in the middle of the park and created chances for Mikel Arteta’s side. After scoring in the 8th minute, Nicolas Pepe troubled Luke Shaw on the flanks and sent into a cross to Pierre Emerick Aubameyang who almost converted the juicy half volley. However, the Gabon international sent the ball over the bar for Arsenal.
Arsenal went two past Manchester United before the half time when Sokratis put the ball past David de Gea in the 42nd minute. Post break, Manchester United looked an improved side but couldn’t find the back of the net. The team looked a much better side when Jesse Lingard was substituted for Andreas and the Brazilian playmaker almost made an impact but couldn’t find the goal.
Even the “super-sub” Mason Greenwood couldn’t find the goal who tried to score but was denied by Bernd Leno. One can sum up this game where Manchester United lacked the influence of Paul Pogba in the midfield. After the game, Ole said that Paul Pogba could be out for 3-4 weeks and might require surgery for his ankle.
Arsenal will face Leeds United on January 6th in FA Cup third round whereas Manchester United travel to Molineux to face Esperito Nuno Santo’s side, Wolverhampton Wanderers, who defeated the Red Devils in the quarter-final fixture, last year.
