Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United are chasing their derby rivals with some venom and they had to get past a stern test at the Emirates to keep the title hopes alive. Two goals in under eleven minutes from Valencia and Lingard, forced by the high press gave United a headstart but Arsenal completely battered the away team but couldn’t beat an outstanding De Gea.
They got an early goal in the second half but United pulled ahead again through Lingard and held on at the end to get the three at Emirates.
Here’s how the Red Devils have been rated.
GK: David De Gea – 10/10
Over a dozen saves and looked unbeatable. Best ever performance in a United shirt. It needs no further description.
RWB: Antonio Valencia – 7/10
Got a crucial goal and held firm on the right preventing Kolasinac from exploiting that flank.
CB: Victor Lindelof – 8/10
Man-marked Sanchez and did his best tirelessly throughout the game. He’s improving game by game.
CB: Chris Smalling – 6.5/10
Not as impressive as the two beside him but still got the job done somehow.
CB: Marcos Rojo – 7/10
Should have dealt with Ramsey’s run but he was good apart from this. Not his fault the waves of Arsenal attack kept emerging from incisive midfield play.
LWB: Ashley Young – 7.5/10
Cleared a dangerous Ozil free-kick from off the line and that presence of mind was outrageously impressive. He too stood firm from the left and delivered whenever he got the chance.
CM: Paul Pogba – 8.5/10
Got a red and it was probably unintentional but without his breathtaking surges and the significant ball for Lingard’s second, United wouldn’t have won this.
CM: Nemanja Matic – 8/10
Fought confidently in the midfield and that last-ditch tackle on Sanchez was phenomenal. He made some very effective tackles apart from this too.
CAM: Jesse Lingard – 9/10
His movement and creation of space have been the key to United’s success in the last two games. He’s stepped up massively intense times and he scored two priceless goals again today.
FW: Anthony Martial – 7/10
The assist to set up Lingard for United’s second oozed class and he had a tidy game until he was subbed off.
ST: Romelu Lukaku – 7/10
Can he not score? It’s fine for United since he can pass well at least. His accurate pass played a role in Lingard’s first and he was really good with his holdup play today.
Substitutes:-
CM: Ander Herrera – 7/10
Made his presence felt and it turned out to be a good substitution as United held on better and reduced the exploitation of midfield after he came on.
Defender: Matteo Darmian – 7/10
He was rigid and calm. Kept his discipline and did try well to prevent Arsenal from making an effort from his side.
