Match Report: Arsenal claim statement win as they dent Man United Champions League hopes

 Arsenal sinks Man United  hope of a UEFA Champions League (UCL) appearance next season as they coast past Manchester United with a dominant display at the Emirates.

Both teams came into this game with the view that a loss to either side will put their charge Champions League next season in jeopardy but from all indications, it looked very clear that the capital club were in pool position to take the day the moment the whistle was blown by referee, Criag Pawson.



Arsenal wasted no time to pile up the misery for Ralf Rangnick and his side as Nuno Travares put the Gooners ahead just three minutes into kickoff. The summer signing got his first Arsenal goal after tapping home from close range from a Bukayo Saka shot which was parried away by De Gea towards the fullback.

The Gooners continued in their aggressive fashion of play, knocking the ball around and hitting United with all round attack, and Eddie Nketiah found the back of the net for Arsenal in the 28th minute but the goal was ruled out for an offside after a VAR review. 



The United players thought to have been given a breather after the goal was chopped off but another VAR review revealed that there was a foul on Saka from Alex Telles. The England international, stepped up and sent David De Gea the wrong way to double the host lead.

United responded back almost immediately through Cristiano Ronaldo and went into the break with simpler mountain to climb. 

Arsenal looked the better side in the first half and bar Ronaldo's goal, they were almost unplayable.

The second half began with United showing a little more tenacity than they did in the first half, they took the play to Arsenal, keep rolling the ball to and fro, sending the Gooners to watch their back.

United's second half pressure in Arsenal payed off as the Red Devils were awarded a penalty after the referee judged Travares to have handed the ball in his own 18-yard box. Bruno Fernandes stepped up hoping to put United level but unfortunately fired his shot off the post. 

Fernandes missed distabilized United earlier balance and Arsenal added their third through Granit Xahka's thunderous drive leaving De Gea helpless as Arsenal cruise to an emphatic victory.



The victory take Arsenal fourth on the Premier League table, six points ahead of Man United who are sixth.

This defeat all but confirms United would not be participating in Europe elite competition next season unless barring a miraculous comeback accompanied by an ill-luck drop by fellow UCL contemders as the remainder of the season unfolds.

For Arsenal, the fans can continue to dream as they look to welcome back a Champions League anthem at Emirates Stadium next season.

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