Arsenal rescued by Aubaymeyang, secure 1-1 draw at Old Trafford

Arsenal drew with Manchester United 1-1 at Old Trafford on Monday evening to lift themselves into the top four of the Premier League table. Scott McTominay scored just before half-time and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang equalized for the away side thirteen minutes after the break.

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A slow start

Amidst heavy rain, the match began at a very slow pace, with the first shot on target coming only in the 28th minute through Andreas Pereira. But post that, chances increased for both teams with multiple counters from both teams. Arsenal came very close to score the opening goal when Pereira slipped and Bukayo Saka was able to run through on goal. His shot to the far right corner was parried by David de Gea, who quickly made another stop to deny Mattéo Guendouzi’s follow-up. Manchester United broke down the other end almost immediately and Daniel James ran down the right flank to send a cross across the box for Rashford, who could not reach the ball on time. He, however, chased it down and passed one back to the centre for McTominay, who hammered the ball into the top left corner. It was his first-ever goal at Old Trafford and his third overall for the red devils. 

The second half began in a comparatively lively fashion and Arsenal equalized after a defensive lapse by the home side had Aubameyang through on goal, who calmly dipped it over De Gea. The linesman raised his flag for offside, but a Video assistant referee (VAR) review showed that Arsenal's leading goal scorer was clearly onside and the goal was given. 

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Leno's heroics

Arsenal had Bernd Leno to thank as he later made two fantastic saves in the second half, after parrying Harry Maguire's shot in acrobatic fashion over the bar. He made another super save after diving low to his left to deny Rashford a goal. 

The result meant that Manchester United now have the lowest number of points in a season after seven league matches since 1989-90. It takes Arsenal in the top four of the table with 12 points, whereas Man Utd are now 10th with nine points. Man Utd and Arsenal will now play Newcastle United and Bournemouth respectively on October 6.

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