Arsenal 2-0 Manchester United: 5 things we learned

5 things we learned from Arsenal vs Man United

Manchester United were beaten for the first time in league since November this afternoon as they lost 2-0 away to Arsenal.

Despite a boring first half, goals from Granit Xhaka and Danny Welbeck early in the second gave the Gunners three well-needed points, as both teams looked to capitalise on Liverpool’s stumble at home to Southampton earlier today.

It meant that Arsenal closed the gap between themselves and the top 4, and kept hopes alive of Champions League qualification. They still have 4 games to play and this result today makes things very interesting in the battle for the top 4.

Here are 5 things we learned from Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Manchester United at the Emirates today.

1) Mourinho finally loses to Wenger

It’s taken 13 attempts, but Arsene Wenger has finally claimed a Premier League win over long-term rival Jose Mourinho. Previously, he had drawn 5 and lost 7, and many were wondering if a win would ever come. Today though, his team were at it and managed to breach the United defence and take the points. A little bit of luck off that Xhaka strike helped them on their way, but over the course of the game, Arsenal deserved to win.

2) Wayne Rooney is no longer the main man

It’s becoming apparent that Wayne Rooney is not in the long-term plan of Jose Mourinho. Look at United’s starting team today, it sent a clear message that Jose Mourinho was prioritising the Europa League, and yet Rooney started. Mourinho is aware that his strongest starting XI no longer contains Rooney, so is this the beginning of the end for the United skipper?

3) Top 4 still in the balance

It’s just about advantage Liverpool after today’s fixtures in the race for top 4, but Arsenal kept their hopes well and truly alive today. It’s been a poor season for the Gunners, but if they win their remaining 4 games, they will have a chance at salvaging a top 4 finish. They are still relying on Liverpool dropping points, but with the Reds inconsistent themselves, Arsenal will think it likely Jurgen Klopp’s side could slip up again before the end of the season.

4) To qualify, their players will have to show heart

Arsenal players over the last couple of months have been accused of lacking a passion for the club. They’ve been told they’re not fit to wear the shirt, and that they’re no longer playing for Arsene Wenger. Players like Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez have taken a lot of criticism. But today, there was clearly more there for Arsenal than there has been in poor performances against Crystal Palace and Liverpool. Mesut Ozil was much brighter than he has been for the majority of this season. It would be silly to question his ability, but he hasn’t showcased it enough this season. Today, he had a great game and helped Arsenal tick, and if they want to quality for the Champions League, players like him need to keep putting in top performances.

5) This fixture just doesn’t have the edge it used to

Unfortunately for fans of these clubs, there is much less at stake in this fixture these days. That leads to it just not having the edge it perhaps did 10/15 years ago, when players like Roy Keane and Patrick Viera would clash at Highbury. The fans’ passion for the fixture still remains, and the rivalry between the managers did up the ante today, but the players just don’t have the same hunger to beat their opponents that the Arsenal and United sides did earlier in the Premier League era.