Arsenal brought crashing back down to earth as Premier League problems emerge again | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta’s side 15 points behind Liverpool in title race after 1-1 draw

Arsenal drew 1-1 with Manchester United on Sunday

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Your matchday briefing on Arsenal, featuring team news and expert analysis from Simon Collings

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Back to the Premier League, back to reality.

After a thumping win over PSV Eindhoven, Arsenal were brought back down to earth after they were held to a draw by Manchester United.

Goalkeeper David Raya made a string of great saves in the second half to ensure this game finished 1-1.

As the Arsenal players applauded the travelling away fans, there was one name being sung loud and proud.

“Declan Rice, we got him half price,” sang the Arsenal fans and who could blame them after a performance like that.

On a frustrating afternoon, where the Gunners’ attack again looked blunt, Rice dragged Arsenal over the line to get a point.

The midfielder looks like he will spend the next few years of his Arsenal career playing as a No8 and his performance here showed why Mikel Arteta has chosen that path.

Rice brought energy and dynamism to a turgid display and it was his goal, 16 minutes from full time, that earned Arsenal a draw.

It was a great finish, too. Receiving the ball on the edge of the box after a strong run by Jurrien Timber, the midfielder found the bottom corner with a curling effort.

Not content with that, Rice made an impact in his own box and produced a great last-ditch tackle to stop Rasmus Hojlund scoring a winner.

David Raya has a game of two halves

It was a rare Raya error that led to United taking the lead.

On first viewing, Bruno Fernandes had looked to have given the hosts the lead with a brilliant curling free-kick.

Raya, however, will be disappointed with his positioning. He left a huge gap for the United captain to target and he duly delivered.

Raya more than made up for his error, though, after the break with a string of excellent saves and he was a big reason in Arsenal claiming a point.

The first save was a stunning reflex stop, denying Noussair Mazraoui at close range when it looked like he would slot home Diogo Dalot’s cross.

The second was instinct again as he kept out Joshua Zirkzee’s flick, but the third was the best of the lot.

With minutes remaining, Raya somehow kept out Fernandes’ effort and even scampered back and clawed it away to stop it going over the line.

Gabriel Martinelli makes a shock comeback

Boost: Gabriel Martinelli returned for Arsenal after an injury lay-off

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

There was a welcome surprise for Arsenal on the bench against United, with Gabriel Martinelli among the substitutes.

The Brazilian has not played since early last month after he injured his hamstring during a defeat at Newcastle.

The initial plan had been for Martinelli to return after the international break - but he is back ahead of schedule.

That is a huge boost for Arsenal, who have been hit hard by injuries in attack and are still without Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz.

Martinelli’s pace helped Arsenal and he looked threatening, stinging Andre Onana’s palms with one effort.

The winger also fizzed a cross through the penalty area, but no one was able to get on the end of it.

Martinelli did squander a great chance late on, firing a rebounded shot over the crossbar - but, thankfully for him, the offside flag went up.