The Gunners all-but secure third after draw
Manchester United and Arsenal played out a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford this evening, all-but ensuring The Gunners of a third-placed finish.
The two sides went into the game knowing it was a battle for third and a battle to avoid playing the Champions League Qualifier next season, but it’s advantage Arsenal thanks to a late own-goal from Tyler Blackett.
Both sides knew that Manchester City had thumped Swansea City in the early kick-off, meaning Manuel Pellegrini’s men were six points ahead of Arsenal, and eight points in front of their local-rivals.
The game was very much the classic cliche of ‘tail of two halves’, as the hosts enjoyed most of the possession in the first-half and made their domination tell in the 30th minute when Ander Herrera struck past David Ospina at the far post.
The Colombian may have done better as he was beaten at his near-post, but it was a well-struck shot by the Spaniard.
Chances in either halves were few and far between, but the visitors turned up the pressure in the second-half and started to take the game to United looking to get back into the game.
After near misses from Olivier Giroud, the game changed when several subs were made at once.
For Arsenal, Jack Wilshere and Theo Walcott came on for Hector Bellerin and Santi Cazorla, whilst Blackett and Victor Valdes came on for United in replace of Marcos Rojo and David De Gea.
It was in the 82nd minute when the subs made an impact as Walcott got away from Blackett and after trying to cross the ball across the goalmouth, Blackett stuck a foot out and deflected the ball over Valdes’ head and into the back of the net.
With the game nearing it’s conclusion, both teams were looking for a winner, but eventually it ended 1-1, leaving Arsenal favourites to finish third.
The Gunners are still two points ahead of United, but have a game in hand which is on Wednesday at home against Sunderland. Due to their greater goal difference, even a draw against The Black Cats should be enough to ensure them third place.
After the game, both camps reacted to the 1-1 draw.
Match Reaction
Manchester United goalscorer Ander Herrera: “I think we played good in the first half. In the second half we knew they were a good team and were going to attack. It is a pity but they scored.
“I am happy with my development. I have to keep improving. My first season at a big club and I have played lots of games and scored goals. I want to be as good as possible.
“I knew it wasn’t going to be easy. When you arrive at a massive club it is not easy but I am happy and looking forward to next season. I want to be a champion here.”
Manchester United winger Ashley Young: “You saw the players at the end, we let it slip and let Arsenal back into it. We looked comfortable.
“I am delighted with my own performance but it is about the team and we showed spirit.
“I am happy with how things have gone but we would like to have gone out with a win. I am doing well for the team, getting assists and goals and delighted the manager has shown faith in me.”
Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal: “You can say we are unlucky because it is the third deflected goal in a row and falls in our net. But I have said it is not unlucky to the players. You have to force luck by finishing games. We are one hour better and 1-0 ahead. You see Arsenal want to come back so you have to stick together and be compact.
“I have said Arsenal have maybe the best team but Chelsea can finish the game, which Arsenal cannot do and we can’t either. That is important. This season we have only finished two games. It is a pity.”
On playing a qualifying round for the Champions League: “We have not yet qualified for Champions League. It is always stressful as you can meet opponent who is halfway through a season already. It is not so easy. I am satisfied we have set our goal and reached that. From what I have seen of the fans they are pleased. But I want more as manager. Next year we will fight for more.”
On David De Gea: “The same thing as I have always said. It is a process for David De Gea. He will not leave us easily as we have a great club and he wants to participate. But he is Spanish. And he could go to a great club. It is difficult for him to decide.”
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal, speaking to BBC Sport: “It’s the third goal in a row we have conceded that has been deflected. That’s unlucky, but you can force the luck. I believe that Arsenal are maybe the best team in the league but Chelsea can finish a game.
“We were better than our opponents for one hour, and we led one-zero, but we have to finish the game. Chelsea can finish the game. We have to improve in this respect for next season.
“When you see the results we’ve had against the other top-six sides, they are not so bad. It’s against the little clubs, who fight, defend and park the bus, that we have to be cleverer. That is what has made the difference for Chelsea this season.”
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger: “They started stronger than us. We were not totally in there but in the second half we dominated completely. Unfortunately we couldn’t score a second goal but the chances were there.”
On Jack Wilshere and Theo Walcott returning from injury: “Jack is now back to a better level. Theo as well. When they score goals that is a sign. We have a big squad and we are competitive. It is important to bounce back from defeat to Swansea and finish well.”
On this season: “It is important for us, compared to last season, to exist in the big games. I think we’ve done that. We were slow to start this season but I think we’ve made progress. We want to secure second or third and start on the front foot next season.”
On the FA Cup final: “It is a performance on the day in a final. It is always 50/50 but we want to turn up and give everything to win. We have learned form last year and we have shown that.”
