Arsenal came a giant step closer to qualifying for the Champions League with a vital win against Manchester United in a frenzied contest at Emirates Stadium.
Following their victory against Chelsea, the Gunners climbed above Tottenham into fourth position, increasing the pressure on Spurs ahead of their match against Brentford later that evening.
The outcome effectively puts an end to United’s aspirations of finishing fourth. They are six points behind Arsenal and have played one additional game.
Arsenal raced out of the blocks and took the lead after only three minutes as David de Gea turned a Saka effort away, but only for Tavares to tap in his first Arsenal goal.
Midway through the first half, controversy erupted when United’s penalty appeals were denied as Cedric used his arm to stop the ball in the area. Arsenal were given a reprieve.
More controversy erupted when Arsenal extended their advantage on 31 minutes.
Eddie Nketiah believed he had made it 2-0, but VAR judged him offside. However, the VAR referee determined that Alex Telles fouled Saka as he pushed the ball to Nketiah. Craig Pawson, the referee, walked to the screen and awarded a spot-kick.
Saka made no mistake from the spot, just like he did against Chelsea on Wednesday.
However, United responded quickly with a goal from Cristiano Ronaldo following a Nemanja Matic cross.
Both teams created chances towards the conclusion of the first half, and United then squandered a wonderful opportunity to equalize early in the second half when they were awarded a penalty.
Rather than Ronaldo, Fernandes stepped up, did a little shimmy, and then blasted a terrible penalty well wide of the post.
Ronaldo then had a goal disallowed for a slight offside, and United were leading until Xhaka sent a 25-yard drive past De Gea to clinch Arsenal’s big win.
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