The Gunners needed a win today at Old Trafford (a place where they won only once in the last 16 visits), in order to drag their title battle until the very last game of the Premier League season and they did it – Arsenal managed another good display and won under pressure, while Manchester United continued their woeful recent form and recorded their loss in games: Manchester United – Arsenal 0-1. United’s rivals Manchester City were hoping for a favour because any result today apart from Arsenal’s win would give them the opportunity to become champions for the fourth consecutive time already on Tuesday when they play their game with Tottenham. But, the Red Devils look like they cannot beat anyone at the moment, let alone Arsenal, so the new champion of the league will be decided next Sunday, no matter what City does against Tottenham.The Gunners won their fifth league game in a row as they are clearly a better team, but the result suggests that they could allow the home team to score one goal and bring a game to a draw. However, Manchester United were simply not good today. Coach Erik ten Hag already has a problem in defense, and it’s a miracle that 36-year-old Evans and midfielder turned into a defender Casemiro didn’t allow more than one goal. There were many fans and pundits who criticized Bruno Fernandes this season, but his absence from the last two United games just proved how valuable he is to this team. There was nobody to patch up the middle of the field for the Devils, and McTominay is not that kind of player, just like Casemiro is not a defender. Garnacho was by far their best player, but his run-ins from the left didn’t create a clear chance, and the Argentinian himself only managed a few shots, which ended in the side-netting. 14 – Only Cole Palmer (19) has more goal involvements in the Premier League in 2024 than Kai Havertz (14 – 8 goals, 6 assists). It’s the most Havertz has ever scored or assisted in a single calendar year in the competition (previously 13 in 2022). Fire. pic.twitter.com/tlO6A4xndf— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) May 12, 2024 On the other side was Arsenal, with an unchanged team for the fourth Premier League game in a row. Unlike the patched-up defensive pair of Evans and Casemiro, the Gunners’ William Saliba and Gabriel started together for the 33rd time in 37 Premier League games. And whoever criticized Fernandes probably criticized Arteta for buying Kai Havertz, but the German assisted for the only goal of the game and has so far provided seven Premier League assists this season, as many as he managed in his first three seasons in the competition. There were not so many chances in the first half until Arsenal scored. Partney made a rookie mistake in the 5th minute near his own penalty area, but Hojlund’s effort was terrible as the Norwegian slipped while trying to shoot. The guests made a great chance in the 21st minute when Havertz went down the right and passed it to Trossard. Casemiro failed to close down in time, allowing the Belgian to score from close range for the lead. The Gunners had one good chance by the end of the half when Ben White managed to get all the way to the penalty area and take a good shot, which went just over the bar. What a final day we will have in store 🤌@Arsenal or @ManCity? Only one can prevail. 🏆 pic.twitter.com/23NZUOGxuh— Premier League (@premierleague) May 12, 2024 The visitors decided to step up in the second half and had much better chances than in the first period of play, but in the end, they failed to score. The fact that United’s best chance since the 5th minute arrived 70 minutes later through Garnacho says a lot about their offensive display. In the end, Arsenal had two great opportunities to score, but Onana was there to save a great Martinelli shot, as well as the attempt from Rice in the 83rd minute. For Ten Hag’s men, a battle for European football means they have to defeat Newcastle on Wednesday, while Arsenal need a win at home against Everton, and at least a draw from City’s last two games. PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 37SaturdayFulham – Man.City 0-4 (0-1)/Gvardiol 13, 71, Foden 59, Alvarez 90+7 pen/Wolverhampton – Crystal Palace 1-3 (0-2)/Cunha 68 – Olise 26, Mateta 29, Eze 73/Everton – Sheffield Utd 1-0 (1-0)/Doucoure 30/Tottenham – Burnley 2-1 (1-1)/Porro 32, Van De Veen 82 – Bruun Larsen 25/Bournemouth – Brentford 1-2 (0-0)/Solanke 90 – Mbeumo 87, WIssa 90+6/Newcastle – Brighton 1-1 (1-1)/Longstaff 45+5 – Veltman 18/West Ham – Luton 3-1 (0-1)/Ward-Prowse 54, Soucek 66, Earthy 77 – Lokonga 6/Nott.Forest – Chelsea 2-3 (1-1)/Boly 16, Hudson-Odoi 75 – Mudryk 8, Sterling 80, Jackson 82/SundayMan.Utd. – Arsenal 0-1 (0-1)/Trossard 21/Monday22:00: (4.40) Aston Villa (3.90) Liverpool (1.75)***odds are subject to change***
