After a thrilling game at The Emirates, it was Arsenal that took all three points in their fixture against Manchester United in dramatic fashion.
The home team started the game the better of the two sides, but it was United that would take the lead in the game.
It came after Kai Havertz conceded possession poorly in the middle of the field, with Christian Eriksen going on to playing Marcus Rashford in behind who finished brilliantly.
Marcus Rashford with a GEM of a goal to put Man Utd ahead at Arsenal! pic.twitter.com/LLg6R2y7ZT
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 3, 2023
However, the lead did not last long.
Martin Odegaard had the ball in the back of the net just over 30 seconds after the game restarted, finishing off an excellent Arsenal team move.
And just like that Arsenal are back in it! 😲
Martin Ødegaard leading by example for the Gunners 🫡
GAME ON! 😃 pic.twitter.com/n1mA0U6PFJ— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 3, 2023
The second half was one of few chances, although Manchester United thought they had won it late on through Alejandro Garnacho, only for the winger's strike to be ruled out for offside.
In the end, it was Arsenal who would go and win it.
Declan Rice was the man to get the goal, doing so in dramatic fashion deep into injury time.
"DECLAN RICE, A GUNNER FOR LIFE"
Unbelievable scenes as Declan Rice SURELY gets the winner?! 🔴 pic.twitter.com/Uu9MfS8qkA— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 3, 2023
Gabriel Jesus would go on to put the result beyond all doubt a few moments later, scoring a third as United chased the game. In the end, Mikel Arteta's side would run out as 3-1 winners.
Roy Keane sums up the current problems at Manchester United
While this is a big result for Arsenal, it could prove to be equally damaging for Manchester United. They have displayed some mixed form since the start of the season, with this game being a missed opportunity after coming up against a home team who did not hit their usual heights.
It also continues the poor run of form they have shown away from home against 'big six' teams, failing to win any of those fixtures since the appointment of Erik ten Hag.
While last season was a good one, questions remain over how much the team has actually progressed over the last year or so. They certainly won't be involved in a title race, while the battle for a top four finish could also be more difficult this time around.
Speaking on Sky Sports after the game, Roy Keane said that the centre back pairing Manchester United finished the game with summed up their problems as a club.
I think the manager will be pleased with the performance, but if you're looking at the bigger picture, I still think there's massive problems at the club.
You look at the defence at the end of the game, I know there was injuries, but the lads they're putting on. They were trying to move [Harry] Maguire on. I like Johnny Evans, he's a good lad, but he left Man United seven years ago because he wasn't good enough. He was coming on today, they're really stretched with injuries.
You had the new striker coming on today in Hojlund. You had Martial, I know the manager praised him after the game, I don't think he got a kick. He didn't do too much.
There are still problems at United. In terms of the bigger picture and trying to at least compete with Man City, I think they're way off...
They're already six points behind Man City. Their goal difference is -2, for a Man United squad that we say has some good quality players. Ultimately, they're not good enough.
If you drop your standards and say 'we're happy to finish third or fourth', that's not good enough either. You've got to aim for Man City, they're the best team out there.
That is the standard for Man United, it has to be with the money they've spent and the squad they've got.
He's not wrong.
Having spent an incredible amount of money over the last few seasons, Manchester United depending on Johnny Evans and a short on confidence Harry Maguire to close out a big game is nowhere near good enough.
After the optimism of last season, you get the sense that this campaign could be a more difficult one for both the team and its supporters.
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