THE NOTEBOOK: Arsenal fans cheer Gabriel's return in defence
THE NOTEBOOK: Arsenal fans cheer Gabriel’s return in defence, Kai Havertz’ blues continue… and Man United’s away kit looks like PYJAMAS!
- Gabriel returned to the Arsenal lineup to put in a strong performance in defence
- Arsenal conceded early again in the 27th minute courtesy of Marcus Rashford
- Kai Havertz missed a glorious chance and gave the ball away for United’s goal
Declan Rice and Gabriel Jesus’ stoppage time goals ensured all three points stayed in London as Arsenal beat Manchester United 3-1 at the Emirates.
Marcus Rashford opened the scoring for United in the 27th minute with an excellent finish after being set away by a Christian Eriksen through ball.
Arsenal’s reply was instantaneous as Martin Odegaard stroked home a flowing team move just 35 seconds later.
It was £105m man Declan Rice who won it for Arsenal, smashing a deflected effort past Andre Onana from a corner, before Gabriel Jesus was sent racing away to calmly finish and put the cherry on the Gunners’ cake.
Mail Sport’s ISAAN KHAN takes a look at some of things you may have missed from the Emirates.
Declan Rice scored in the 96th minute before Gabriel Jesus slotted home late on to secure it
Rice’s effort is the latest winning goal in Premier League matches between Arsenal and United
Mikel Arteta celebrating Rice’s goal after Arsenal had to come back from 1-0 down early on
Gabriel impresses on return
Upon the announcement of Arsenal’s line-up, heightened cheers were heard around the Emirates for Gabriel’s return. The Brazilian had not started a match this season until today, an injury to Thomas Partey forcing Mikel Arteta to change tack, though it did feel like an eventuality.
The backline reminisced of the last campaign, Oleksandr Zinchenko inverting from left back into midfield, William Saliba paired with Gabriel in the middle, and Ben White at right back.
It certainly evoked memories. Especially Gabriel’s clever work minutes before the end, skilfully holding the line to catch Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho offside which cancelled out the goal. He has to continue in the starting line-up.
Gabriel impressed at the heart of defence after Arteta recalled him to replace Thomas Partey
Arsenal continue habit of conceding early on
Arsenal’s habit of conceding early in matches continues. It wasn’t in the first minute — the Gunners are the first side in Premier League history to concede three goals in the first minute of matches in a calendar year — but within 27.
Facing an early deficit is never a good template, and one which can’t be followed if points are to not be dropped.
Kai Havertz still can’t catch a break
To be in the shoes of Kai Havertz. Arteta said prior to the match how the German needs ‘love’ from the supporters to reach his potential after receiving scepticism just three weeks into the season.
That love was certainly tested to the limits within half an hour, Havertz completely miscuing the ball when in on goal, to the noise of groans, and then gifting the ball to Christian Eriksen, who duly fed Marcus Rashford to score.
The midfielder then thought he won his team a penalty on 60 minutes, after being challenged by both Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Casemiro, only for it to be overturned via VAR.
His confidence must be on the floor.
Kai Havertz continues to struggle to find any sort of form or rythym under Mikel Artea
Controversy across the game for referee Anthony Taylor
Referee Anthony Taylor was pulled left then right today. He warned goalkeeper Andre Onana twice for time-wasting, only issuing a yellow card on his third infringement on 67 minutes, and then had two tricky decisions to make in the first half.
Victor Lindelof received a yellow card for a foul on Eddie Nketiah near the touchline, his boot nearly brushing the forward’s nose. And then Bukayo Saka escaped a red for a challenge which sunk studs into Bruno Fernandes’ ankle. The latter, which also was adjudged a booking, looked rather worthy of a sending-off.
The controversy would only follow him, with the decision to award Havertz a penalty. It was one of the more challenging league games Taylor will have to officiate.
Referee Anthony Taylor initally gave a penalty for a foul on Havertz but it was overturned
United’s kit looks like pyjamas
Man United’s away kit was unleashed for the first time this season. It certainly caught the eye — for all the wrong reasons.
At a quick glimpse, it could pass as a pyjama set. The choice is puzzling, with their smart white outfit instead used as a third kit.
A rethink for the next campaign could well be in order.
United’s new £64m signing Rasmus Hojlund made is debut in the club’s new second kit
Harry Maguire clapped by home fans
You could see how far Harry Maguire has slipped in fans’ estimations when the home faithful could be heard applauding his substitution on to the pitch in the 67th minute.
The away section? Not much at all. How times have changed.
Harry Maguire was introduced late on in the game and was applauded only by the home fans
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