Man Utd 0-1 Arsenal: Player ratings as Gunners take Premier League title race to final day | OneFootball

Arsenal knew they could not settle for anything less than victory against their old rivals, Manchester United, this Sunday afternoon.

Mikel Arteta’s men saw title rivals Manchester City run out 4-0 winners at Fulham, dethroning them from the top spot; even if Arsenal wins their remaining two games, it may not be enough.

However, they were at least confident in picking up all three points today.

It’s been another season to forget, with Man Utd languishing in eighth place heading into today’s game. Erik ten Hag’s side was humiliated by Crystal Palace earlier in the week, and very few backed the Red Devils, with supporters fearing another shellacking.

Despite a spirited effort, the match went as planned, with Leandro Trossard’s strike ultimately deciding the contest, which takes Arsenal back top and this title race to the final day.

Here’s how the players rated at Old Trafford:

Manchester United

André Onana – 7.5 – An eighth consecutive game without a Premier League clean sheet for the Cameroonian who earned his paycheck.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 6 – Enjoyed a fascinating battle with Trossard down Man Utd’s right flank, so he would be gutted to see his man get on the score sheet.

Jonny Evans – 6.5 – The veteran centre-back used every fibre of his experience to guide a patchwork Man Utd defence.

Casemiro – 5 – He’s received some criticism in recent weeks, and Casemiro will take some more for Arsenal’s opener. He had plenty of time to squeeze up and play Havertz offside, but he just saunters, and it’s a straightforward goal.

Diogo Dalot – 6.5 – Playing once again as a left-back, on the day he marked his 50th home game in the Premier League for Manchester United, the full-back seemed to be a tough opponent for the Gunners. However, he couldn’t maintain his aggressive runs throughout the game.

Sofyan Amrabat – 5.5 – It hasn’t been the most forgiving campaign for the Moroccan loanee, who was given a defensive task in Man Utd’s midfield and performed to the best of his abilities.

Kobbie Mainoo – 6.5 – Playing in games like this will undoubtedly accelerate Mainoo’s development. Despite his maturity beyond his years, he would have liked to be more influential.

Alejandro Garnacho – 6 – An effort in the seventh minute was deflected over. That proved to be Garnacho’s first significant moment in the game as he produced another shot that went off target.

Scott McTominay – 5.5 – You know what to expect from the hardworking Scottish international, but he lacked the finesse to threaten Arsenal, especially in the crucial midfield battle.

Amad Diallo – 6 – Made a positive start, looking comfortable with the ball at his feet inside the Arsenal box, though his performance soon waned as the visitors took control of proceedings.

Rasmus Højlund – 5.5 – Had the game’s first big chance but lost his footing at a crucial moment. “You won’t get many better chances against that Arsenal defence,” Gary Neville said on Sky Sports, and he was right.

Substitutes:

Antony (for Diallo 70) – N/A – A late sub.

Willy Kambwala (for Evans 75) – N/A – A late sub.

Christian Eriksen (for Amrabat 88) – N/A – A late sub.

Omari Forson (for Wan Bissaka 88) – N/A – A late sub.

Ethan Wheatley (for Hojlund 88) – N/A – A late sub.

Arsenal

David Raya – 6.5 – Another clean sheet for the Spaniard, who seldom was tested.

Takehiro Tomiyasu – 6 – Despite playing on an unfamiliar flank, the Japanese international consistently provided an outlet.

Gabriel – 8 – When called upon, the Brazilian performed impeccably, winning 100% of his attempted tackles and forcing Man Utd’s frontline to reconsider their strategy.

William Saliba – 9 – The Gunners are near impervious with him in the side. This was another indomitable performance from the Premier League’s best central defender.

Ben White – 7 – Showed real endeavour going forward and put a commendable shift backing up the dynamic Saka.

Declan Rice – 7.5 – He plays a crucial role in front of Arsenal’s defence. Rice is often tasked with maintaining possession; today, he executed his task perfectly.

Thomas Partey – 6.5 – Made his eighth start of the Premier League season, which has been plagued by injury. After regaining possession, he made intelligent runs forward.

Martin Ødegaard – 7 – This was far from Ødegaard at his fleet-footed best, but he didn’t need to be; that said, much of what Arteta’s side did positively came through him.

Leandro Trossard – 7.5 – Three of his last four goals in the Premier League have put Arsenal 1-0 up. He’s fast becoming Mr. Dependable.

Kai Havertz – 7.5 – He’s now provided seven Premier League assists this season, as many as he managed in his first three seasons.

Bukayo Saka – 6 – There were glimpses of Saka’s brilliant wing play in an uncharacteristically subdued performance that saw him limp off with a suspected injury.

Gabriel Martinelli (for Trossard 66) – 5.5 – Offers a more direct approach, but the game didn’t open up for him to profit.