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Home   >   Match   >   [Ratings & goals] Arsenal 3-1 Man Utd: Xhaka stars, Tavares a liability at times

[Ratings & goals] Arsenal 3-1 Man Utd: Xhaka stars, Tavares a liability at times

By on April 23, 2022

nuno tavares arsenal

Arsenal moved back into the top four with a thrilling 3-1 victory over Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium this afternoon.

We made the perfect start as Nuno Tavares tapped home from close range in the 3rd minute after Bukayo Saka’s shot was saved by United goalkeeper David De Gea.

Arsenal then had the ball in the net again in the 30th minute when Eddie Nketiah fired home. VAR ruled the goal out for offside but a penalty was given as Saka was fouled by Alex Telles in the build-up. Saka converted well to make it 2-0.

Less than 2 minutes later, we switched off at the back and allowed Man Utd back into the game as Cristiano Ronaldo got in front of Gabriel to make it 2-1 with a close range finish.

Tavares then inexplicably gave away a penalty in the 56th minute when he handballed in the box. However, fortunately, Bruno Fernandes hit the post with the resulting spot kick.

Arsenal then restored our 2-goal cushion as Xhaka fired home a thunderous strike from 25 yards to make it 3-1 in the 70th minute. There was no way back for Man Utd so Arsenal move three points clear of Spurs in fourth place.

Here are my ratings:

Ramsdale  7.5/10 | Good save from Elanga kept it at 1-0 but sloppy pass almost gifted United an equaliser. Stunning save to tip a Dalot shot onto the post at 2-1 – it was a big turning point and could have won Arsenal the game.

Cedric  5.5/10 | Struggled against Sancho and passing was poor. Deliveries were also below par.

White  7/10 | Good in possession but had a few shaky moments defensively.

Gabriel  6/10 | Greta tackle on Fernandes rescued Ramsdale but poor defending allowed Ronaldo to make it 2-1.

Tavares  5/10 | On hand to open the scoring but silly mistake gave away a penalty. Fortunately it wasn’t converted. Was a liability at times in the second half when he seemed to lose his head.

Elneny  7.5/10 | Another very good performance from the Egyptian. Did everything that was asked of him and didn’t put a foot wrong. Solid in possession and a calm head in front of the defence.

Xhaka  8/10 | Thunderous strike sealed the win and capped an excellent display. Bossed the midfield at times and combined well with Elneny.

Odegaard  7.5/10 | Captain again and never stopped working for the team. Always wanted the ball and dictated most of Arsenal’s good attacking play.

Saka  8/10 | Got another assist and kept his cool to convert his penalty. Was always dangerous from the wing but limped off with a thigh injury in the second half. Let’s pray it’s not serious.

emile smith rowe arsenal

Nketiah  6/10 | Missed a glorious chance to make it 2-0 midway through the first half and was marginally offside when he did put the ball in the net. Link up play is still not up to scratch but worked hard up front.

Smith Rowe  6/10 | Not his best game in an Arsenal shirt. Couldn’t really get a hold of the ball and influence things. Subbed in the second half.

Subs:

Martinelli   6/10 | Added some energy and tracked back well.

Holding   6/10 | A few clearances kept United at bay late on.

Tomiyasu   N/A | Only on for a few minutes but great to see him back.

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