An action packed first half saw early chances missed at both ends, as Christian Eriksen fired off target for the hosts and William Saliba sliced wide for the Gunners. The visitors then thought they had taken the lead when Gabirel Martinelli slotted into the back of the net, only to be ruled out by VAR for Martin Ødegaard’s foul on Eriksen in the build-up.
Arsenal were beginning to dominate, and only a full stretch stop from David de Gea kept out Martinelli’s powerful back-post header. But that save paved the way for United to take the lead on 35-minutes, as referee Paul Tierney played an excellent advantage following a clear foul on Bruno Fernandes, a decision which paid off when Rashford prodded through to Antony, who opened his body and curled a debut goal into the far corner.
Mikel Arteta’s side regrouped and started brightly after the break as Bukayo Saka hooked wide of the far post from a narrow angle. The England international then clipped the bar with a cross that had de Gea back-pedalling, before eventually making it third time lucky when equalising on the hour mark by firing through Lisandro Martínez’s legs from inside the box.
Parity did not last long, however, as Fernandes’ sumptuous through ball was coolly finished by Rashford just minutes later, with the striker rounding off a lightning quick counter-attack. Aaron Ramsdale then stopped Fernandes from doubling the lead, but Rashford grabbed his second to put the game to bed quarter of an hour from time, finishing into an empty net from Eriksen’s unselfish pass.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Christian Eriksen (Manchester United)
