Premier League: Arsenal edge Brentford late, Manchester United beat Everton
Arsenal needed Kai Havertz’s late winner by beating Brentford 2-1 on Saturday as Manchester United kept alive their faint hopes of finishing in the top four with a 2-0 win over Everton.
But Arsenal had to overcome a glaring error from Aaron Ramsdale on his return to the goal. All seemed to be going to plan for the home side when Declan Rice continued his fine goalscoring form by heading in Ben White’s cross on 19 minutes.
However, there was a sting in the tale in a moment Ramsdale will want to forget in first-half stoppage time.
The England international was making just his second Premier League start since September as the on-loan David Raya was ineligible to feature against his parent club. Ramsdale’s lack of match sharpness may have been a factor as he dallied on the ball as his attempted clearance ricocheted off Yoane Wissa into the net.
The Arsenal goalkeeper bounced back after the break to make vital saves from Ivan Toney’s spectacular effort and Nathan Collins’ header. Havertz then bulleted home a header from another White cross four minutes from time.
“Massive win for us. These points were so important for us and you could see that in the second half. We didn’t play our best in the first half but it’s even better to win it this way,” said Havertz.
Everton were made to pay for conceding two first-half penalties as Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford scored from the spot.
“We need wins. We’re still in the hunt but it depends on them. We have to win our games but we know, in the Premier League, everyone is killing everyone,” said Ten Hag.
Everton sit four points above the relegation zone as their winless league run extended to 11 games.
Third bottom Luton rescued a priceless 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace thanks to Cauley Woodrow’s last-gasp leveller.
Oliver Glasner’s side struck in the 11th minute when Daniel Munoz teed up Jean-Philippe Mateta to flick home. But Woodrow levelled from Andros Townsend’s cross six minutes into stoppage-time to leave Luton three points from safety.
Sheffield United moved off the bottom of the table but blew a two-goal lead as Bournemouth hit back to rescue a 2-2 draw at the Vitality Stadium.
Bournemouth’s Dominic Solanke missed a 14th minute penalty as the striker slipped in his run-up and ballooned the spot-kick over the bar.
Gustavo Hamer and Jack Robinson struck to put the Blades into a shock lead. But Dango Ouattara got one back with a header from a 74th minute corner and Bournemouth equalised in stoppage-time when Enes Unal stabbed home to claim his first goal for the club.
Wolves improved their prospects of qualifying for Europe next season with a 2-1 win against Fulham at Molineux to climb up to eighth.