With both teams fighting for a direct ticket to the next Champions League, high hopes were expected for this game. Game ended up being dominated by Manchester United, who did not take advantage of the terrible performance of the Gunners, who looked better near the end of the game. Game ended in a 1-1 draw, rewarding for Arsenal and not so much for the Red Devils.
Manchester United completely dominated the first half of the game. Ander Herrera found the back of the net with a very high technical finish half an hour into the game. Ashley Young attacked through the left side and sent a cross looking for their tallest player in Marouane Fellaini. Laurent Koscielny and Nacho Monreal both double marked Fellaini, who did not reach the cross and the ball ended up with Herrera who was wide open. Herrera struck the ball with the inside of his right boot one time, to make a high class technical finish and beat David Ospina.
Arsenal could not find a way to react and the best thing that could have happened for them was go into the locker room and figure out how they were going to come out second half. By far it was the worst first half performance this season by the gunners.
Arsenal came out second half with very little progress as Manchester United was having a hard time being a dangerous team. Arsenal did not become a threat until the last twenty minutes, with 18 minutes left Arsene Wenger sent Jack Wilshere and Theo Walcott into the pitch.
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In the 82nd minute Aaron Ramsey sent a long 40 yard ball across to Theo Walcott who controlled and dribbled towards Tyler Blackett. Walcott was able to find space and send a ball across that was deflected by Blackett and beat Victor Valdes, who made his debut in the second half after replacing the injured David De Gea.
There was an opportunity for both sides after the Gunners’ goal, but were unsuccessful. Arsenal now sits five points from Manchester City who currently sit second and only need two points in their last two games to earn third place and a direct ticket to the 2015-16 Champions League. As for the Red Devils, they sit two points behind Arsenal who will play a pending game on Wednesday against Sunderland at the Emirates and will end their season receiving West Bromwich. Manchester United will visit Hull City, who currently sit 18th with a chance to save themselves from relegation.
