Manchester United vs Arsenal. Premier League.
Old TraffordAttendance73,431.
Free highlights and match report as Man Utd beat Arsenal 3-1; new £86m signing Antony opened scoring on his debut; Bukayo Saka levelled; Marcus Rashford then scored twice; Erik Ten Hag: "When the team gets a setback, they deal with it and they fight back. I like this mentality"
Monday 5 September 2022 06:14, UK
Marcus Rashford's two second-half goals inflicted Arsenal's first defeat of the season as Manchester United won 3-1 at Old Trafford after Antony scored on his debut.
The Brazilian, who joined for £86m on Deadline Day from Ajax, made a dream start to life at United by scoring a first-half opener with a cool first-time finish (35).
Antony's goal came after Arsenal had been denied a 12th-minute opener by VAR after referee Paul Tierney used the pitchside monitor to disallow Gabriel Martinelli's clinical finish for a foul on Christian Eriksen by Martin Odegaard in the build-up to the goal.
Mikel Arteta's side deservedly levelled early in the second half when Bukayo Saka rolled home (60).
But United retook the lead just six minutes later as Rashford fired home from Bruno Fernandes' through-ball.
Rashford then scored his second with a breakaway goal set up by Eriksen in the 75th minute to secure a fourth consecutive victory for Erik ten Hag's side, who move up to fifth.
United are now three points behind leaders Arsenal as the Gunners' unbeaten start comes to an end with the north London side only a point ahead of Manchester City and Tottenham.
Arsenal came to Old Trafford aiming to win their opening six games of the season for the first time since 1947 and they thought they had taken a 12th-minute lead as Martinelli finished superbly when played through by Saka after Eriksen had been robbed of possession by Odegaard.
But the goal was disallowed after VAR advised referee Tierney to check the pitchside monitor, where he ruled that Eriksen had been fouled by Arsenal's captain in the build-up.
Martinelli came close to opening the scoring again in the 32nd minute but David de Gea excellently saved the Brazilian's back-post header from Odegaard's cross.
Three minutes later, though, the home side took the lead through debutant Antony, who swept home a first-time left-footed finish into the bottom corner from Rashford's pass.
Arsenal started the second half strongly and deservedly levelled in the 60th minute after Saka finished off the rebound from Diogo Dalot's last-ditch tackle on Gabriel Jesus.
But United hit back six minutes later as Rashford restored their lead after he smashed past Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale from Fernandes' pass.
Arsenal boss Arteta made a triple substitution in search of an equaliser in the 74th minute but a minute later his side conceded again as Rashford scored his second.
Fernandes sent Eriksen clear and the Dane squared for the forward, who converted easily to end Arsenal's 100 per cent start to the season and continue the Gunners' miserable recent record at Old Trafford, having now won just one of their last 16 Premier League away games at United.
Gary Neville speaking on Sky Sports: "Arsenal were fantastic for 65-70 minutes, but there was quite a bit of immaturity in the last 20 minutes or so.
"The three substitutions at once. I thought it was strange when it happened because it was a bit of a kitchen sink job whereby you can go and get done on the counter-attack, which they did.
"I don't think they needed to do that at that point in the game. There was still 20 minutes to go, they were playing really well, and they were working chances.
"United's goal on the counter-attack was against the run of play and all of a sudden it became a game that was easier for Manchester United.
"It may sound daft when they are on the end of a 3-1 defeat, but I am more confident in Arsenal's top-four chances after seeing them today over what they did in those first five games against the teams they played.
"They've been really good at times, and they'll get that last part of the games right more often than not if they carry on playing like this. Arsenal fans will be disappointed, but they were brilliant in the game.
"They just lost it in the big moments of this match and maybe, just maybe being a little too reckless too early, when they didn't need to be with 20 minutes to go and those three subs coming on."
Christian Eriksen speaking to Sky Sports: "It was a fun football game, a lot of things were happening at both ends. With the result in mind, it was a lovely afternoon.
"[After the two defeats] we started with winning, even the ugly games - the one-nils - build something up. You feel it as a player on the training pitch, we're starting to understand each other, we know where to pass to each other.
"You can feel the quality we have with the players up front. Anyone can pass and anyone can score. We are more dominant on the ball compared to the first two games.
"Our game plan was me following Odegaard around the pitch. Defensive work is not something I'm used to in my career. It's easier for me to follow him when you know the team is in a good position."
Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag speaking to Sky Sports: "I thought our start was really good - the best 10 minutes where we were really dominant in the opponent's half.
"The cancelled goal broke our composure a little bit. It's not necessary - you have to keep going and play your game. When we learn that we will be an even better team.
"We saw a good team on the pitch, good team spirit. They were maybe not always good routines, but they fought and they recovered. Arsenal, of course, created chances but I think we also did. We scored great goals.
"We could have done things better but that will come - we are not that long together. When we get that we will be even more controlled. It will be hard work and there is still a lot of room for improvement.
"As you see, when the team gets a setback, they deal with it and they fight back. That's really good to see. I like this mentality.
"Arsenal played well but we defended well. I never had the feeling they would break us with their possession and a lot of movement and creativity."
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta speaking to Sky Sports: "We're really disappointed to lose the game, especially with what happened in the 95 minutes. We had big periods where we were totally dominant in total control and taking chances. But we didn't close the game, and when they have open spaces in any moment, they're going to hurt you.
"In both boxes was the big difference. They had three big chances and scored three goals and we had numerous chances and didn't score enough goals.
"In the first 18 minutes, we struggled and then it was all us. After 1-1, it was all us. We lose a ball in a really difficult place from a throw-in when we don't have to play that kind of pass and in one pass they are through."
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Manchester United will now begin their Europa League campaign, with a home fixture against Real Sociedad on Thursday, September 8 - kick-off at 8pm - next on the agenda.
After that, Ten Hag's side will return to Premier League action away to Crystal Palace on Sunday, September 11 - live on Sky Sports - with kick-off at 4.30pm.
Arsenal also begin their Europa League journey on Thursday September 8 with a trip to Zurich, kicking off at 8pm.
Arteta will then take on his former side when Everton visit the Emirates Stadium on Sunday September 11, with kick-off at 2pm.
