The Red Devils are turning on the heat in the English Premier League. Michael Carrick has indeed brought in a massive change of fortunes for the beleaguered Manchester United team, which just recently had sacked Ruben Amorim for indifferent performances. However, the scenario now is rapidly transforming.
It was not going to be an easy match for table toppers Arsenal in the cold of London last evening, and so it turned out to be.
The Gunners literally laid siege to the United goal in the first half. The visitors were hardly able to move out of their half for a good 30 minutes. Zubimendi’s header was brilliantly saved by Senne Lammens, but Arsenal scored when a Dorgu clearance header landed at the feet of Saka. The ball eventually travelled to Timber, who helped the ball into the goal through a little deflection off Lisandro Martinez. It was given as an own goal as Arsenal moved ahead in the 29th minute.
The match took a big turn in the 37th minute when Zubimendi made a terrible mistake with an error pass. He mis-hit the ball straight to Mbeumo, and with hardly any red shirts around, the Cameroonian scored. Mbeumo has been brilliant for United this season and showed tremendous composure to first wrong-foot David Raya and then put the ball calmly into the net. The match was squared.
The goal, which had come against the run of play, no wonder, gave tremendous confidence to the United players, which eventually culminated in an incredible goal from Dorgu. The 21-year old Danish professional showed tremendous talent with a memorable strike at the Emirates. It was one of the finest goals I have seen this season. A rocket of a strike that beat Raya, struck the inside of the crossbar and went into the goal. It was an uplifting moment for United in the 50th minute.
Arsenal went for the equaliser, with Mikel Arteta going for 4 substitutions in one go. Something drastic was required, and eventually Arsenal managed to equalise in a goalmouth disorder, with Merino scoring in the 84th minute.
Manchester United, however, had the last laugh and deservedly so. Three minutes later, Matheus Cunha drilled another screamer to win it for United. It was once again an exhibition of individual brilliance. Arsenal had no answers. United held on strongly for the rest of the match to clinch a very famous victory.
Arsenal lost 3 vital points, and though the Gunners remain on top, their lead has been trimmed to just 4 points. United leapfrogged Liverpool and Chelsea to reach 4th position in a staggering change of fortunes.