Arsenal’s perfect start to the season came to a brutal halt as they fell to a 3-1 defeat to Manchester United on Sunday evening.
Having won their first five games of the campaign thus far, they came unstuck at Old Trafford as a Marcus Rashford brace as well as a debut goal from former Ajax star Antony saw the Gunners drop their first points of the season.
Mikel Arteta’s team had won their opening five Premier League matches but United halted their perfect start to record their fourth successive victory after their initial struggles this season.
Arsenal looked to have the perfect start in the 12th minute when Gabriel Martinelli raced through and slotted home after being sent through by Saka, but the goal was disallowed after a VAR check for Martin Odegaard’s foul on Christian Eriksen.
But it was United who took the lead in the 35th minute through Antony when Rashford laid off for the Brazil international to fire past Aaron Ramsdale — becoming the 21st United player to score on their Premier League debut.
Arsenal got themselves back on level terms in the 60th minute when Saka side-footed home after Gabriel Jesus was hustled off the ball by Diogo Dalot.
United hit back six minutes later through Rashford, with the striker’s shot taking a deflection off Ben White following a defence-splitting pass from Bruno Fernandes.
Rashford had his second in the 75th minute when Eriksen squared for the England international to score from point-blank range, with the effort confirmed as being onside.
In the meantime, the result saw Man Utd continue their impressive turnaround under Erik ten Hag as they notch their fourth consecutive win following their horrendous start to the season.
— Ferdinand A. Baah
