ARSENAL’S gap at the top of the table was closed to four points as they suffered a horror home defeat to Manchester United.
The Gunners were beaten 3-2 in a thriller at the Emirates on Sunday.
Jeers rang out at the final whistle as United racked up a second successive win under Michael Carrick.
And Mikel Arteta had a face like thunder as Man City’s 2-0 win over Wolves on Saturday saw Pep Guardiola’s men move just four points behind in the title race.
There were quite a few lacklustre performances from the Gunners, with Martin Zubimendi having a stinker in midfield.
But in contrast, Declan Rice impressed as he gave Arsenal some much-needed grit.
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VAR YOU JOKING
Arsenal again rage at VAR after TWO controversial decisions in Man Utd game
Here, SunSport’s Simon Collings runs the rule over every North Londoner who played against United.
Check out the Arsenal player ratings below…
David Raya – 6
Could do little about any of United’s goals. Mbeumo was one on one with him for the first, while Dorgu’s finish from outside the box was a thunderbolt. Cunha’s late winner was a stunning strike, too.
Jurrien Timber – 6
Restored to his favoured position of right-back and looked more comfortable there. Thought he had opened the scoring, but the goal was given to Martinez. Finished the game at left-back as Arteta rang the changes.
William Saliba – 6
Roamed forward a lot early on and teed up Declan Rice for a decent chance. Made a vital tackle on Bruno Fernandes midway through the first half when the United skipper looked certain to score.
Gabriel – 5
Fluffed a good chance from a corner in the first half when the ball hit his shoulder instead of his head. Given a tough time by Mbeumo and Cunha, which does not happen often to the Brazilian.
Piero Hincapie – 6
Back in the team after missing the past four games due to injury. Looked pretty solid and most of United’s threat came down the other flank. Involved in the opening goal and his initial cross eventually led to the Martinez’s own goal.
Martin Odegaard – 5
Had a hand in the opening goal as he flicked the ball across the box and Martinez turned it into his own net. But he was largely quiet and not as influential as you’d expect him to be in a big game like this. Subbed with over 30 minutes to go.
Martin Zubimendi – 3
The Spaniard has been excellent since signing for Arsenal last summer, but he had an absolute horror show when he gifted the ball to Mbeumo to score. Spoilt a solid first half where he had gone close with a header from a free-kick.
Declan Rice – 6
Wasted a chance in the first 15 minutes when he saw a tame effort blocked. Tried to get Arsenal going by snapping into tackles and was booked. Performed better than most on a poor day for the Gunners.
Bukayo Saka – 6
Had a lively battle with Luke Shaw. Saka got the better of him a few times and was involved in both of the goals. Put in so many good corners and they finally paid off when Merino scored late on.
Gabriel Jesus – 5
Started a Premier League game for the first time in over a year after his brilliant performance at Inter Milan on Tuesday. Linked the play nicely and was sharp early on – but faded. Taken off just before the hour mark.
Leandro Trossard – 6
Started the game like a train and was one of Arsenal’s better players in the opening stages. Buzzed around and combined well with Piero Hincapie. Still not at the level he was earlier this season, though.
Subs
Ben White (Hincapie 58’) – 5
Got forward as much as he could and overlapped Saka a lot. The final ball was lacking, though.
Eberechi Eze (Odegaard 58’) – 5
So often the man to create something from nothing, but he made little impact. That hat-trick against Spurs feels a long time ago. Booked.
Viktor Gyokeres (Jesus 58’) – 5
On the bench for the second game running. Put himself about when he came on and ruffled a few feathers.
Mikel Merino (Zubimendi 58’) – 6
One of four players to come on at the same time as Arteta went for broke. Scored by poking home from a corner, but then lost possession for Cunha’s late winner.
Noni Madueke (Trossard 75’) – N/A
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