United loss double blow for Mourinho
Jose Mourinho hadn’t lost a Premier League soccer game in more than six months. He had never lost a competitive game against rival coach Arsene Wenger in almost 13 years.
Two long, proud, unbeaten records came to an end for the Man United manager Sunday. United lost 2-0 at Arsenal at Emirates Stadium for a result that, according to Mourinho, makes it “impossible” for United to finish in the top four and secure Champions League qualification through its league placing.
“All on the Europa League,” Mourinho said, piling the pressure on his players ahead of the second leg of a semifinal that United leads 1-0 against Celta Vigo on Thursday. Mourinho used to ridicule the Europa League. Now it could be his saviour.
This win lifted Arsenal to within two points of fifth-placed United, having played one game fewer, and within seven points of third-placed Liverpool, having played two games fewer. Liverpool could only draw 0-0 at home to Southampton in the other league game played on Sunday.
With four games remaining, Arsenal could yet squeeze into the top four and play in the Champions League for a 20th straight season. The team also has an FA Cup final against Chelsea at the end of May.
A disappointing game burst into life in the 54th minute when Xhaka, afforded plenty of space in central midfield following a throwin, advanced and drove in a 30-metre shot that struck the turned back of Ander Herrera and looped over goalkeeper David de Gea.
Welbeck powered home a header off the bar in the 57th from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s cross to make it 2-0. The striker has now scored in each of his last three appearances against his old club. LIVERPOOL 0, SOUTHAMPTON 0 Liverpool hasn’t scored a goal against Southampton in four matches this season — two in the league and two in the League Cup.
Even when the team was gifted a penalty for a handball against Jack Stephens, Liverpool couldn’t capitalize. But the point lifted Liverpool back into third above Man City.