PREMIER LEAGUE
Jose: My Pog is seeing red with Laurent park bus
Mourinho was slaughtered ughtered for playing it safe against st Liverpool at Anfield.
But as he arrived at the Emirates the United boss knew ew his team were in the last chance nce saloon as far as the title race goes – even though it’s only early y December.
For a defeat here would have put 11 points between n United and t heir r unaway r i vals Manchester City who should put a bagful l past leaky West Ham today.
United stormed into a stunning 2- 0 lead, were pegged back ck to 2-1 then had to survive a nervy vy last period after Pogba’s red card as they protected a 3- 1 advantage provided by man of f the match Lingar Lingard’s second goal. United had to defe defend for their lives in a second half of incessant Arsenal pressure – but this wasn’t Anfield- style negativ negativity from Mourinho’s men.
This was the kind of admirable defianc defiance they’ll need against City.
And they’ll need all the attacking fla flair they showed in an 11 minut minute opening spell that ultima ultimately blew Arsenal away.
Both managers had good news before kick off with Wenger namin naming Alexandre Lacazette in his star starting line up after an injury scare and Mourinho doing likewise with Nemanja Matic.
But it was United who took almost instant control of a clash they had to win.
First, Valencia stunned The Emirates with an opening fourth minute goal that showed their hunger for victory.
Wing back Valencia was high up in Arsenal’s half when Laurent Koscielny played a foolish pass across the Gunners back line.
Valencia was on it in a flash, quickly shifting it to Paul Pogba