Arsenal stake claim on 4th spot
All eyes and focus were at the emirates stadium to witness the duel between Arsenal and Manchester United. In a fixture that always provides plenty of entertainment, Emery’s men were going to do battle with a United side who were full of confidence especially after their heroics in the champions league against PSG in midweek.
A few years ago (many moons to be honest) this match would have been billed as a top two clash. However, those days are over for now at least and fans of both sides have to accept their current standing respectively as they look to secure a top 4 finish. Arsenal took the initiative right from kick off and attacked Man Utd with intent. Arsenal can be a little bit unpredictable at times and you’re never quite sure which Arsenal will turn up on match day.
Unlucky for Man Utd, the Arsenal that they were faced again was the precise passing and attacking Arsenal accompanied with hard work. Although Man Utd went closest to scoring in the first few minutes of the first half after Lukaku hit the crossbar from close range (should have scored!!), it was Arsenal who took the lead through Xhaka after he struck the ball from distance which deceived De Gea to give Arsenal the lead in the 12th minute.
United did create chances in the game but to no avail as Arsenal showed some good defensive displays also much to the frustration of the United forwards. Arsenal knew they needed another goal to ensure all 3 points and when Lacazette was brought down in the penalty box it was left to Aubameyang to do the rest. The Gabon striker coolly dispatched the resulting penalty in the 69th minute. The win means Arsenal sit 4th in the league with 8 games to play.
Tottenham will be thanking their North London rivals for beating Man Utd because if the result had gone the other way then United would be 3rd on goal difference. What has happened to Spurs in recent weeks? How can you go from being title contenders to a 3rd and 4th place battle (I just don’t understand). All that hard work and graft for nothing.
Spurs suffered another loss (no surprises) to Southampton 2-1. Kane opened the scoring for Spurs in the 26th minutes before Valery leveled for the saints in the 76th minute. The winner came courtesy of Ward-Prowse in the 81st minute sinking Spurs to their 3rd defeat in 4 games. They’ll be very lucky to remain in 3rd place come the end of the season.
The battle for the summit still remains the same as 1 point separate Manchester City from Liverpool as both teams won their respective games comfortably. City are looking more and more likely to defend their title and win a much coveted back to back championship.
Chelsea meanwhile drew 1-1 with Wolves after Hazard equalised for the blues late in the 92nd minute of added time. Crystal Palace lost 2-1 to Brighton, Cardiff beat West Ham 2-0, Newcastle beat Everton 3-2 in a thrilling encounter, whilst Bournemouth beat Huddersfield 2-0 away.
Gunning for fourth!!!!!!!!
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