Arsenal ran out 3-1 winners against Manchester United on Saturday, resigning the visitors to their fourth successive away defeat.


Story of the match

Nuno Tavares opened the scoring for Mikel Arteta's side, before Bukayo Saka converted from the penalty spot for the second time in two games.

Cristiano Ronaldo got one back for the Red Devils, but a second half thunderbolt from Granit Xhaka secured the win and all three points for Arsenal.

The Gunners took an early lead through left back Tavares, who was quickest to react when David De Gea made a save from Saka's curled effort, prodding home from close range.

Manchester United came close to equalising after 10 minutes, when Aaron Ramsdale gave the ball away poorly, but Bruno Fernandes couldn't direct his effort into the goal.

Eddie Nketiah had a goal ruled out for a tight offside by VAR just before the half hour mark, but a penalty was consequently awarded for a foul in the build up, which was converted by Saka, his second goal in two games.

United got a goal back minutes later through their main man Ronaldo, who put the ball in the back of the net from close range to score his 100th Premier League goal.

Ralf Rangnick's side were awarded a penalty 10 minutes into the second half, after goal scorer Tavares handled the ball from a corner, but Portuguese midfielder Fernandes could only hit the post to squander a huge chance to equalise.

Five minutes later, Ronaldo had the ball in the back of the net for a second time in the game, but VAR ruled the goal out for offside.

The Red Devils were really starting to pile to pressure onto the Gunners, with Diogo Dalot being brilliantly denied by keeper Ramsdale, who was able to tip the ball onto the post.

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 23: Diogo Dalot of <strong><a  data-cke-saved-href='https://www.vavel.com/en/football/2022/04/21/arsenal/1109205-the-warmdown-arsenal-back-to-winning-ways-at-stamford-bridge.html' href='https://www.vavel.com/en/football/2022/04/21/arsenal/1109205-the-warmdown-arsenal-back-to-winning-ways-at-stamford-bridge.html'>Manchester United</a></strong> has a shot during the <strong><a href='https://www.vavel.com/en/football/2022/04/14/arsenal/1108421-mikel-arteta-faced-with-selection-headache-ahead-of-trip-to-the-south-coast.html'>Premier League</a></strong> match between Arsenal and <strong><a  data-cke-saved-href='https://www.vavel.com/en/football/2022/04/21/arsenal/1109205-the-warmdown-arsenal-back-to-winning-ways-at-stamford-bridge.html' href='https://www.vavel.com/en/football/2022/04/21/arsenal/1109205-the-warmdown-arsenal-back-to-winning-ways-at-stamford-bridge.html'>Manchester United</a></strong> at Emirates Stadium on April 23, 2022 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 23: Diogo Dalot of Manchester United has a shot during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on April 23, 2022 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images)

 

Against the run of the play Arsenal restored their two goal cushion through Xhaka, with the Swiss midfielder firing a trademark shot into the back of the net from long range.

At the full time whistle with the score 3-1 in Arsenal's favour, Arteta's side move back into the top four, at least until Tottenham Hotspur face Brentford later in the day.

  • What next?

The Gunners next game is another must win tie, as they travel to the London Stadium where they will face a high flying West Ham side that are still in contention for a Champions League spot.

  

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