Arsenal played host to struggling Manchester United on Saturday, in what was the first game of the weekend.
But the Old Trafford side failed to bring their age and experience to bear on the game, as Mikel Arteta’s young side put three past Ralf Rangnick’s men.
Arsenal went two goals up in 32 minutes through Tavares and Saka’s penalty, before Cristiano Ronaldo reduced the deficit with a finish into the top of the net.
United had a chance to draw the game level after the VAR judged Tavares to have fouled Matic in the box. Bruno Fernandes, who wore them armband on the day in the absence of the benched Harry Maguire, stepped up to take the kick but instead failed by sending his kick unto the foot of the upright, after he sent Ramsdale the wrong way.
And his miss proved decisive as Granit Xhaka later put the game beyond United’s reach with a well taken out of the box effort.
United now sit in 6th, on 54 points, two ahead of 7th placed West Ham who have a game in hand.
For Arsenal, the win is huge and takes them past Tottenham into 4th on 60 points, albeit haven played one more game than their cross town rivals. Arsenal will drop to 5th if Tottenham wins their game in hand, but only on goal difference are Antonio Conte’s men ahead of the Gunners.
