Talking Points: Arsenal 2-0 Manchester United
Arsenal gave themselves an outside chance to finish in the top-four of the Premier League, when they defeated a weakened Manchester United side 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
The clash was of great importance to both teams, as it had the potential to have huge repercussions on the way the league table would look at the end of the season, but United manager Jose Mourinho fielded a weakened side keeping in view of the UEFA Europa League semi-finals second leg clash against Celta Vigo.
But the decision backfired as two quickfire second half goals from Granit Xhaka and former Red Devil Danny Welbeck meant the visitors were just left two points clear of the Gunners, who also have a game in hand.
Here are three talking points from the game on Sunday:
Arsene Wenger Ends the Mourinho Hoodoo
Sunday’s win against United marked Arsene Wenger’s first ever win over Jose Mourinho in 16 competitive games – excluding the Community Shield victory, which really counts more as a pre-season.
It is no secret that the two managers aren’t the biggest fans of one another and over the years, there has been a lot said by the two, that has led to a lot of bad blood. Mourinho, over the years, has never let an opportunity to remind Wenger that he hasn’t won a major trophy with Arsenal and has always taunted the Frenchman. So this win will definitely come as a sweet one for Wenger.
The United manager may claim that it was got to do with the eight changes that he made to the line-up, but it doesn’t change the fact that Wenger has gotten one over his arch nemesis.
Arsenal Back In Top Four Contention
A lot of people, fans and pundits, had chalked off Arsenal as a contender for the top-four places after their 2-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur last weekend. But football can be a fickle game at times, with things changing so very quickly.
The impressive 2-0 win over United saw Arsenal reduce the gap to fourth-placed Manchester City to six points with a game in hand over Pep Guardiola’s men and seven points behind Liverpool in third with two games in hand compared to the Reds.
They have a long way to go, but games against Southampton, Stoke City, Sunderland and Everton should be winnable and if the Gunners manage to claim 12 points from the four games, it would put them on 75 points. If Liverpool, who are on 70 points, lose or draw one of their two games, Arsenal are well within a chance to replace the Reds in the top-four.
Axel Tuanzebe Lives Up To The Hype
Since the day he took over at Old Trafford, Mourinho has been singing the praises of this one particular player from the reserves side, but never really looked to give him a chance in the first-team.
But Axel Tuanzebe’s day finally came in a huge game against one of United’s biggest rivals, Arsenal. The 19-year old was handed his league debut by the Portuguese, albeit in an unnatural right-back position, instead of a central role which he is accustomed to.
Tuanzebe was by far the most impressive defender on the field for United, as he went head on into the battle against Arsenal’s leading goalscorer Alexis Sanchez and came out on top on quite a few occasions. The fact that most of Arsenal’s attack came down the opposite flank was a testament to the 19-year old’s solidity and impressive showing. He can be proud of that debut performance.