United came from a goal down to narrowly beat Arsenal at Old Trafford, but the Gunners stay fifth despite the defeat
By Kehinde Okeowo
Arsenal scored a blizzard goal at Old Trafford in the 13th minute, but the home side turned it around to win the game 3-2.
Emile Smith-Rowe opened the scoring from a pass from Mohammed Elneny, but the United goalkeeper was down on his goal-line injured when the goal was scored.
Martin Atkinson, the center referee, only blew his whistle after the ball had gone into the net and after a VAR check, the goal was given.
The home side dominated ball possession after the goal without a cutting edge, as Arsenal remained resolute.
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United eventually equalized on the 44th minute after Fred passed to Bruno Fernades who slotted the ball inside the net to make it 1-1.
The red half of Manchester took the lead for the first time in the second half after Cristiano Ronaldo scored from Marcus Rashford’s assist in the 52nd minute to give United a 2-1 lead.
Arsenal responded immediately when Martin Odegaard equalized after receiving a pass from Gabriel Martinelli in the 55th minute to make it 2-2.
United went ahead once more, after Arsenal’s goalscorer, Odegaard tripped Fred in the penalty box to give away a penalty.
The referee initially waved away the penalty appeal, but VAR corrected the decision and it was eventually awarded to United.
Cristiano Ronaldo stepped up to score the penalty in the 70th minute to give United a 3-2 lead.
Arsenal pressed for an equalizer but neither side could add to their tally before the center referee brought the game to an end.
The Gunners stay fifth despite the defeat but Manchester United go within two points of them.
Meanwhile, Man United’s caretaker, Micheal Carrick, resigned his appointment immediately after the game despite winning the encounter.
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