The pick of the games in the Premier League came on a warm Sunday afternoon in London. Arsenal claimed a huge win over Manchester United. In a game that was once again spearheaded by VAR controversy, it was the away side who thought they had all three points when Garnacho finished calmly into the bottom corner before VAR intervention. The home side then shellshocked the visitors with late goals from new man Declan Rice and returning striker Gabriel Jesus.
Big games like these can often start very tentative with either team almost waiting for the other to do something, This was exactly the case for the opening 26 minutes before the Red Devils burst the game into life.
After not threatening the goal before this, Marcus Rashford latched onto a pass from Christian Eriksen and opened the scoring with a trademark finish. Arsenal went straight up the other end and caught the visitors cold. Captain Martin Odegard finished off a wonderful team move to make it 1-1, sending the Emirates into raptures.
Is VAR good for the game?
It was not until the 59th minute that the game had its next big moment. At first glance, it appeared Kai Havertz had been brought down and Anthony Taylor pointed to the spot. VAR then played its first major part and instructed the referee to re-look at the incident. Much to the annoyance of the home fans, the decision was overturned.
The main part of the drama was yet to come. Erik Ten Haag turned to his bench in an attempt to take all 3 points. The Danish debutant Rasmus Hojlund looked bright and started to cause the Arsenal defence some problems.
An inspired flick ended with super sub-Alejandro Garnacho running through on goal. He made no mistake and slotted the ball past the helpless Aaron Ramsdale.
The young Argentine sailed away in celebration and the away end went wild. This soon changed as an immediate VAR check was taking place and the goal was ruled out for offside by the barest of margins. The home side were on the right side of the technology this time.
Arsenal fire ahead late on
A resurgent Arsenal used this and went in search of the winner. Consecutive corner put the away side under serious pressure. A certain number 41 would then take centre stage. Declan Rice had his first Arsenal goal in dream circumstances.
The new Gooner found himself with time in the box and fired a deflective shot past Andre Onana. Manchester United piled men forward in search of an equaliser which would leave them short at the back. This allowed the returning Gabriel Jesus to seal the victory, sitting down the despairing Diogo Dalot in the process.
Where does this leave the two sides?
Going into the international break, Arsenal will be delighted to have picked up a vital win. Despite not playing at their brilliant best, Mikel Arteta’s men only sit two points behind Manchester City in the Premier League table. 10 points out of a possible 12 is a good return for the London side. The red side of Manchester however is asking a lot of questions.
Ending the game with a centre-back pairing of Harry Maguire and Johnny Evans has angered fans. The Manchester United fans also believe Casemiro is too isolated in the middle of the park but Ten Haag has played down these concerns.
The Dutchman now has the international break to work on his team. Football is a game of fine margins. If Garnacho’s goal stands, it’s Mikel Arteta’s side who are under the microscope.