Arsenal saw their Premier League title hopes all but ended at Old Trafford as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Manchester United on Sunday. The Gunners were far from their best in the north west as they finished the day 15 points behind table toppers Liverpool
United took the lead just before half time as Bruno Fernandes fired a delicious free-kick beyond David Raya and into the back of the net. Arsenal were pinned back for much of the match but drew level 16 minutes from the end as Declan Rice got his name on the scoresheet. Both teams pushed forward in search of a winner, but defences held firm as the points were shared. And Express Sport is on hand with the Arsenal player ratings.
Arsenal player ratings vs Man Utd (4-3-3)
David Raya: 8
Was forced into a number of top-drawer saves in the second half as the Arsenal defence was found wanting. Will be questioned for his positioning for the opening goal as Bruno Fernandes struck the ball up and over the wall and into the opposite corner of Raya’s net. Made two big saves at the death and produced an outstanding display overall.
Jurrien Timber: 6
Solid defensively, despite the fact the visitors were given a torrid time at the back. Needs to offer more going forward.
William Saliba: 5
Can sometimes find it difficult in physical battles and struggled to deal with Joshua Zirkzee as Dutchman proved to be a handful.
Gabriel: 6
Was part of a backline that gave up too many chances and had their goalkeeper to thank on too many occasions. May have been sanctioned for his challenge on Noussair Mazraoui on another day.
Riccardo Calafiori: 4
Showed endeavour to get himself into a good attacking position after half an hour but lacked composure as his pass across the box failed to find a team-mate. Failed to contain Alejandro Garnacho and was replaced just before the hour mark.
Martin Odegaard: 7
Started well as he drifted inside and attempted to get his team moving up the pitch. Found pockets of space throughout the match and appeared to have all the time in the world when he got on the ball. Tested Andre Onana midway through the first half.
Thomas Partey: 6
Was lucky to avoid the attention of the referee after going in late on Alejandro Garnacho early on and catching Joshua Zirkzee with his arm just before the break. Laboured in midfield.
Declan Rice: 8
Whipped in some decent corners and displayed his energy in the centre of the pitch. Attempted an audacious effort with a volley but didn’t trouble Andre Onana. Worked hard and made his impact when he levelled the scores with 16 minutes remaining. Made a crucial tackle on Rasmus Hojlund late on to save his team.
Ethan Nwaneri: 5
Has been a bright spark for his side this season but lost the battle against Diogo Dalot down the right as he was kept quiet at Old Trafford. Was replaced by Gabriel Martinelli just before the hour mark.
Mikel Merino: 4
Had the opportunity to open the scoring 10 minutes into the game but fired his shot off target. Was less and less dangerous as the match wore on. Came out of nowhere to give Mikel Arteta an option up front after his late brace against Leicester last month, but shouldn’t keep getting minutes as a striker.
Leandro Trossard: 5
Hammered a shot well off target after being teed up by Gabriel in the first half and gave away the free-kick at the end of the first half as United took the lead.
Substitutions
Myles Lewis-Skelly: 6
Was an upgrade on Riccardo Calafiori and will be confident of starting ahead of the Italian in future.
Gabriel Martinelli: 6
Offered some much-needed energy when he came on. Fired over the crossbar at the death but was offside anyway.
Kieran Tierney: 6
Came on for Thomas Partey 15 minutes from the end.