ART ‘N SOUL Fired-up Mikel’s brought Emirates fans back to life
Lacazette’s back-header was pushed out by De Gea and Sokratis smashed home the rebound from point-blank range.
In typical Arsenal fashion they did allow Maguire a glorious chance to pull one back in first-half injury time but he headed straight at Bernd Leno and the home side went off to a standing ovation.
United did at least rouse themselves for the second half, showing more passion and determination as Solskjaer must have had stern words in the dressing room.
It felt like a repeat of Sunday as Arsenal were pinned back deeper as their legs tired and United pushed for a way back.
But this time Arsenal held on without much drama – despite a 71st-minute United penalty claim when Aaron Wan-Bissaka went down all too easily under an Aubamayeng challenge.
But it is now United who are facing the tough questions after such an abject display.
WAYNE ROONEY has been told to get ready for a Championship battering.
The 34-year-old starred for Manchester United and England and his last game was in the MLS for DC United.
Tonight he makes his Derby debut at home to Barnsley and boss Phillip Cocu warned: “This is completely different from when Wayne was playing in the USA or Premier League.
“Expectations will be sky high. Wayne is a great player, but the rest of our players have to realise you can’t just lean back and we win every game 5-0.
“He has to get into the team, get in his best shape, get to know the Championship, his team-mates, and they must get to know him.”
Pride Park will be packed for Rooney’s first league game in this country since he was subbed after 63 minutes in Everton’s 2-0 win at Huddersfield 20 months ago.
He is believed to be on £90,000 a week with sponsors 32Red picking up a huge chunk of that over his 18-month contract.
Rooney has been with the Rams, training and sitting in the dug out, since the first week of August waiting to make the switch official in the transfer window.
Cocu, who is under pressure after his side won their first game in eight against Charlton on Monday, added: “It’s been good to have him on the bench, he could see how it is. But the most important part is when he plays.”
Barnsley boss Gerhard Struber said: “It’s a cool feeling to play against Wayne Rooney.
“He’s a legend in England and also in the world when we speak about football.”
Struber, who has hauled his team away from the bottom on the back of a five-game unbeaten run, added: “The discipline and power to win games is coming back.
“We’ve changed the mindset with our match plan and also our attitude.
“Barnsley is not a relegation team. We have the right quality and the right character to get out of trouble.”