Arsenal finally dispensed with a long-running narrative of despair by defeating Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford on Sunday. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored the game’s only goal from the spot in the 69th minute after Paul Pogba had needlessly fouled Héctor Bellerín in the area.
The Red Devils have twice now displayed a massive European hangover after achieving impressive results in the Champions League. After defeating PSG 2-1 on Oct. 20, United and Chelsea played out a forgettable 0-0 draw last Saturday.
On Wednesday, they hammered RB Leipzig 5-0 with Pogba looking strong in midfield and Marcus Rashford scoring a hat-trick, but all that promise was forgotten in the opening 45 minutes of this one with the Bruno Fernandes and Pogba midfield pairing failing to click.
Arsenal could’ve taken the lead before halftime with Willian and Bukayo Saka going close, but United handed the Gunners the initiative after Pogba’s dumb challenge on Bellerín.
Aubameyang sent David de Gea the wrong way and spanked his effort into the bottom corner.
Aubameyang with the emphatic penalty!
Arsenal lead at Old Trafford! #MyPLMorning pic.twitter.com/wHKJxF34Bt— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) November 1, 2020
For Arsenal, it’s a first league win at Old Trafford in 14 years. It’s also a first away win against a “Big Six club” club in 30 matches. The Gunners are now in eighth and four points behind leader Liverpool.
“Mikel (Arteta) is bringing something very nice and everyone wants to follow his way,” Aubameyang said after the match. “It was good to win tonight.”
For United, it’s a defeat that leaves the club mired in 15th. The Red Devils still haven’t won at home this season in four tries (one draw, three defeats) and next up is a difficult trip to play second-place Everton at Goodison Park (Nov. 7).
Arsenal hosts sixth-place Aston Villa at the Emirates on Sunday, Nov. 8.
