Lacklustre match ends in draw
MANCHESTER: Manchester United was held to a 11 draw at home to Arsenal yesterday in a Premier League game that was a poor imitation of some past clashes between the rival clubs.
PierreEmerick Aubameyang’s 58thminute goal for the visitors, given after a VAR review, cancelled out Scott McTominay’s wellstruck opener on the stroke of halftime but it was a game that highlighted the weaknesses of the teams.
The result leaves Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s United in 10th with nine points, its worst start after seven games for 30 years, and it has won just one of its past six league games.
Arsenal is in fourth spot on 12 points but the ninepoint gap to leader Liverpool illustrates how far away the London side is from being a real title contender.
‘‘I thought how many times have we been 10 up and not got the second goal?’’ said Solskjaer, who was disappointed his side was not given a penalty when Sead Kolasinac appeared to handle just before Arsenal’s goal.
‘‘This is a steep learning curve for us and we’ll keep working hard and with more experience, we’ll make the right decisions,’’ he said.
Arsenal’s Unai Emery was left with a similar feeling.
‘‘I want more — more in the result and in the performance but we are progressing. We were competitive but we can do better,’’ said the Spaniard.
There are multiple weaknesses in both teams but what stood out was the lack of class and quality in midfield.
Arsenal looked lightweight and lacking any real spine, while United, despite having France international Paul Pogba back from injury, was short of attacking options and creativity.
There was little excitement in the first half but United keeper David De Gea did have to pull off a fine doublesave in the 44th minute, pushing out a low shot from Bukayo Saka and then doing well to keep out Matteo Guendouzi’s followup.
Moments later, United had the lead, when Marcus Rashford found McTominay on the edge of the box and his slightly deflected shot towards the top corner beat motionless Arsenal keeper Bernd Leno.
Arsenal got back on level terms in controversial circumstances before the hour with a goal from Aubameyang.
United leftback Axel Tuanzebe gave the ball away to Saka, who threaded it through to Aubameyang, but the linesman raised his flag well before the striker put the ball past De Gea.
The VAR review correctly showed United defender Harry Maguire had played Aubameyang onside and the goal was given.
Leno then made two good saves to keep Arsenal on level terms, diving to deny Maguire’s effort from the edge of the box and then reacting well to keep out Marcus Rashford’s stoppagetime free kick. — Reuters