Teenager Marcus Rashford scored twice and set up the third as Manchester United derailed Arsenal’s Premier League title challenge at Old Trafford.
Rashford, who scored twice on his debut against FC Midtjylland on Thursday, steered in a loose ball for the opener then headed in three minutes later.
Danny Welbeck nodded Arsenal back into the game, but Rashford picked out Ander Herrera whose shot was deflected in.
Mesut Ozil’s volley gave third-placed Arsenal hope, but United held on.
Arsenal – who have not won the title since 2004 – remain in third place, five points adrift of leaders Leicester having now played the same number of matches.
The Red Devils moved back into fifth position with their first win in three league games.
But, against an under-strength and youthful home side, the Gunners blew another opportunity to demonstrate their title credentials.
With leaders Leicester snatching a late win on Saturday, and second-placed Tottenham fighting back against Swansea, Arsene Wenger’s side lost valuable ground on their title rivals.
And it ended a miserable week for the Frenchman, who saw his side falter in three competitions.
Wenger watched his team labour to an FA Cup draw against Championship side Hull, then put themselves on the brink of a Champions League exit at the hands of Barcelona.
“This is a fight where you keep going even when disappointment is there. Let’s show we are prepared for the fight,” he said.
BBC
