A fine first-half performance followed by a brilliant counter-attacking goal in the second period gave Manchester United all three points in a game where the hosts, Arsenal, dominated for almost the entirety of the game.
The game started off brilliantly for Manchester United and in as early as the 4th minute, a crucial intervention from skipper Antonio Valencia in Arsenal’s half gave United a quick break. There was still a lot to do but the Ecuadorian made sure United stood out early in the game. A low shot which took a little deflection on its way, cruised past Petr Cech and BANG, United were up in no time.
Seven minutes into the first, United doubled their advantage and it was all down to Jesse Lingard’s brilliant pressing effort. The Englishman’s intense pushing earned United the possession, but again, a lot of work was still to be done. A brilliant interchange followed and United were up by two goals. For the hosts, chances were far and between, but David De Gea made sure he kept his record clean.
Had it not been for the Spaniard, United would have conceded at least three or four goals. Talking numbers, Arsenal had 75% of possession and attempted 33 shots (15 on target). The Gunners pulled one back soon after the half-time, courtesy of Alexandre Lacazette’s attempt from close range.
Many criticised Jose Mourinho’s approach to the game, but the result is all that matters and the Portuguese delivered it in style. 15 gone, 23 more to go! Meanwhile, here’s how Twitter reacted to the win:
Another win.pic.twitter.com/AlDK7aXvez
— José (@MourinhoMindset) December 2, 2017
Im worried for the MC game now. Without pogba
— SkyMeister (@Kaitze_91) December 2, 2017
A life long contract for De Gea
— Sadikshya (@Sadikshya_) December 2, 2017
Manchester United would have been at the other end of the league without De Gea. This lad is pure class. He won it for United. Rename the stadium after him.
— E (@esheikh_) December 2, 2017
Best goalkeeper on the planet. #MUFC #ARSMUN pic.twitter.com/G1ZxlR3ah1
— CR7 (@ronaldo7goal) December 2, 2017
That match had it all. Goals, commitment, yellow cards, a sending off, energy, chances, a penalty appeal and most importantly a @ManUtd win #MUFC
Arsenal 1-3 Manchester United #ARSMUN
— ᴵ ˢᵃʸ ˢᵗᵘᶠᶠ … (@TheDappaMc) December 2, 2017
Sometimes I watch a football match holding a PS4 controller just to screw with my girlfriends head.
— Funny Tweets (@FunnyThingsUK) December 2, 2017
GET IN! Lethal on the counter attack and responded fantastically well to the red card. Fully deserved the win!
— J.A.O (@JuanAnderOnly) December 2, 2017
Felt like 180 minutes😅
— Scholesy18 (@18GingerNinja) December 2, 2017
Boyyyyyy David is special! Damn
— Wole Ojo 🇳 🇬 (@SirWoley) December 2, 2017
DID U GIVE OZIL THE UNITED SHIRT YET?
— Jeff Yantos (@Xoxoitsjeff) December 2, 2017
We are in serious trouble against city but i trust the manager will have a plan
— Sbusiso (@sbukhumalo63) December 2, 2017
