Wenger finally ends his Mourinho curse

Arsene Wenger got the better of managerial rival Jose Mourinho for the first time in a competitive game as Arsenal beat Manchester United 2-0 in the Premier League yesterday to keep alive their Champions League qualification hopes.

Granit Xhaka, with a deflected shot, and former United player Danny Welbeck, with a bullet header, scored goals in a fourminute span early in the second half to end United’s 25-match unbeaten in the league.

This was the 16th competitive head to head between Wenger and Mourinho - and the 13th in league play - since 2004. It has been a onesided rivalry but Wenger finally got a victory over the man who once dubbed him a ‘‘specialist in failure,’’ for a result that might end United’s chances of a top-four finish and leaves Arsenal with some hope.

‘‘Finally, I leave this [Emirates] stadium with Arsenal fans happy,’’ Mourinho said. ``It’s the first time I see them smile, enjoy.’’

Arsenal moved two points behind fifth-place United with a game in hand, and are seven points behind third-placed Liverpool - who earlier drew 0-0 at home with Southampton - having played two games fewer. Wenger’s team has four matches remaining to earn a 20th straight season in the Champions League.

Mourinho made eight changes to his starting team from the 1-0 win over Celta Vigo in the first leg of the Europa League semifinals last Friday. The second leg is at Old Trafford this Friday and Mourinho has suggested the European competition, which offers a place in the Champions League for the winner, is his priority for the remainder of the season.