3 standout players from enthralling victory over Man Utd

In Arsenal’s toughest game of the season so far, Manchester United travelled down to the Emirates.

The Red Devils went a goal up with their first attack of the game in the 27th minute but captain Martin Odegaard struck back to equalise a minute later, finishing off a beautiful Arsenal move.

The visitors then thought they had scored the winner until Alejandro Garnacho’s goal was ruled offside and a draw seemed more likely.

As the match ebbed on deep into added time, Declan Rice chested down a corner and, with all the time in the world, rifled home a powerful finish that André Onana could not keep out. The stadium erupted as Rice embraced supporters with the entire squad after scoring his first goal for the club.

Gabriel Jesus then piled on the misery after sending Diogo Dalot for a hotdog and stroking the ball past Onana in the 111th minute of action.

It was a good performance from the Gunners without being a great one. United created very little and Arsenal missed a couple of big chances, dominating most of the game. All in all, it was undoubtedly a deserved victory and Gooners should be happy with ten points from Arsenal’s first four games, especially considering Mikel Arteta’s side are yet to fire on all cylinders.

There are few feelings sweeter as an Arsenal fan than a last-minute winner against Man Utd.

3 standout players from the enthralling victory over Man Utd

Most players were solid without particularly shining. Kai Havertz had another difficult game and was unlucky to have a penalty ruled out. Bukayo Saka had an uncharacteristically poor game, missing a sitter when Arsenal were chasing a winner. However, three players particularly impressed.

1. Declan Rice

Even without his goal, Declan Rice was the best player on the pitch. Incredibly safe on the ball, Rice slid in some impressive passes and was generally pulling the strings in midfield.

It’s off the ball where Rice really shines, though. Sometimes, he just popped up out of nowhere to nick the ball, put in a big tackle or intercept a pass. His ability to sniff out danger and aid Arsenal in defensive transition will take the Gunners to another level. He should be a stalwart in that Arsenal midfield for many years.

Of course, it was his goal that was the highlight of his performance. Alone at the back post, he managed to bring the ball down from Saka’s cross and was still alone. He then fired a very powerful shot that was too much for Onana to handle and sent the Arsenal fans straight to cloud nine. He won’t be forgetting that moment for a while!

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