Published on 04.09.2023
In a thrilling match filled with drama, Arsenal clinched a remarkable 3-1 victory over Manchester United, with Declan Rice and Gabriel Jesus scoring crucial stoppage-time goals.
The match took a dramatic turn when Alejandro Garnacho appeared to secure the win for United on the 88th minute, only for a VAR offside call to deny him the moment. Erik ten Hag, United’s manager, vehemently believed it should have stood.
Instead, Arsenal’s £105 million signing stole the spotlight with a stunning goal. He expertly controlled a cross at the back post and fired a shot that deflected off Jonny Evans, aged 35, and into the net past Andre Onana, deep into added time.
Although Evans contested a foul during the cross, Rice’s jubilant celebrations with the crowd marked an iconic moment, adding another thrilling chapter to this Premier League rivalry.
As the visitors desperately sought an equalizer, Gabriel Jesus sealed the victory by breaking away and leaving Diogo Dalot and the entire United defense in his wake. Last season, it was Eddie Nketiah who delivered a last-minute blow to United. This time, it was a Rice-Jesus one-two.
In the first half, Arsenal’s captain, Martin Odegaard, quickly responded to Marcus Rashford’s counter-attack goal, finding the net just 35 seconds after the restart.
Arsenal believed they had the opportunity to take the lead on the hour mark when Kai Havertz was fouled in the box and a penalty was awarded. However, replays showed that Havertz was seeking contact with Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and the decision was overturned after a VAR review.
This proved to be a forgettable day for Havertz, who missed an early chance and gave away possession, leading to Rashford’s goal. Nevertheless, his teammates orchestrated a stunning comeback.
The match concluded in a thrilling manner, leaving Arsenal with three wins in four matches and placing them fifth, just two points behind title rivals Manchester City.
On the other hand, Manchester United finds themselves in 11th place, trailing their city rivals by six points.
It was a cruel ending for United, and Erik ten Hag will spend the international break reflecting on a six-point return from their opening games, already lagging behind the teams they aim to challenge.
