Arsenal vs Man Utd LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction after Granit Xhaka goal
Follow live reaction after Arsenal beat Manchester United in a big match in the race for the Premier League’s top four
Follow live reaction after Arsenal dealt a blow to Manchester United’s hopes of a top-four Premier League finish as Nuno Tavares, Bukayo Saka and Granit Xhaka struck in a 3-1 win that revived the home side’s chances of Champions League football next season.
Arsenal were rewarded for their blistering early pace as Tavares tapped home in the third minute after United goalkeeper David de Gea pushed away a curling effort by Saka, following some poor defending by the visitors at the Emirates. Saka doubled the Gunners’ lead from the penalty spot after a foul on the winger in the build-up to a disallowed goal by Eddie Nketiah. Nketiah’s strike was ruled offside by the Video Assistant Referee.
United’s sluggish display overshadowed fleeting moments in which they threatened and was another reminder of the challenge facing incoming manager Erik ten Hag, though the visitors got one back as Cristiano Ronaldo swept in Nemanja Matic’s cross. The Portuguese forward’s 100th Premier League goal came after a traumatic week personally for the player after the death of one of his newborn twin babies.
United improved after the restart but their woes deepened as skipper Bruno Fernandes hit the post with a poor effort from the penalty spot following Tavares’ handball, before a 70th-minute thunderbolt from Xhaka sealed the win for the Gunners.
Tottenham lose ground in top-four race after being held to goalless draw at Brentford
Tottenham Hotspur limp from the Brentford Community Stadium with their top-four hopes no longer in their grasp, and it could have been even worse thanks to the efforts of one of their own.
This was another missed opportunity for Antonio Conte’s side, who have relinquished their advantage over Arsenal and must quickly rediscover their attacking verve. Since scoring 14 goals in their four consecutive wins, Spurs have now been shutout in 180 minutes against Brighton and Brentford FC. Brentford and their patched-up defensive line restricted Tottenham’s attack effectively and David Raya finished without having a save to make.
The attacking intent was instead provided by the hosts, and in their own unique style. You know what Brentford do by now, although you might wonder if Tottenham did realise given their lackadaisical approach here. The Bees thrive on making these meetings awkward and Thomas Frank’s side have ensured every other Premier League team has come away with a taste of the Brentford experience when visiting this quiet corner of west London.
Tottenham lose ground in top-four race after being held to goalless draw at Brentford
Brentford 0-0 Tottenham: Spurs fail to respond to Arsenal’s victory earlier in the day with a lifeless stalemate in west London
Brentford 0 - 0 Tottenham
That was Tottenham’s first draw in 2022 in all competitions (W11-D1-L9).
Spurs also failed to record a shot on target in back-to-back Premier League matches.
Brentford 0 - 0 Tottenham
I don’t think Tottenham will be too disheartened though. They’ll know that they were second best today and that point keeps them within touching distance of fourth with a clash against Arsenal still to come.
Worryingly though it’s the second sluggish performance in a row and Antonio Conte needs to change that next time out.
Full-time: Brentford 0 - 0 Tottenham
90+3 mins: Tottenham take a point away from the game but gift the advantage to Arsenal in the race for the top four. Brentford were impressive and could have had more. Ivan Toney twice hit the woodwork but he couldn’t get the win for the Bees.
Brentford 0 - 0 Tottenham
90 mins: Off the post! Eriksen whips a free kick into the Tottenham box and Toney climbs above everyone else to win the header. He powers it towards the far bottom corner and the ball rattles into the post before bouncing away. The follow up is then blasted into the side netting.
Huge let off for Tottenham! Three added minutes to play.
Brentford 0 - 0 Tottenham
87 mins: Mads Sorensen is booked for dragging down Lucas Moura who was threatening to burst into the box from the right wing. Tottenham win a free kick just outside the penalty area. It’s a big chance for them to score.
Son takes it and fires his cross straight into the hands of David Raya.
Brentford 0 - 0 Tottenham
84 mins: Lucas Moura has been waiting a while to come on for Spurs but the ball hasn’t gone out of play. Eventually it does and Emerson Royal is sacrificed with about five minutes or so left to play. Will we see a winning goal from someone?
Brentford 0 - 0 Tottenham
81 mins: Tottenham still haven’t had a shot on target. They didn’t have one against Brighton either and Brighton struck late to win that game.
Surely Spurs won’t go two games without hitting the target. Lucas Moura is getting ready to come on.
Brentford 0 - 0 Tottenham
78 mins: Fresh legs for Brentford. Josh Dasilva and Yoane Wissa come on for the home side with Saman Ghoddos and Mathias Jensen taken off.
Brentford 0 - 0 Tottenham
75 mins: Tottenham mount the pressure on the Brentford defence by maintaining possession around the edge of the penalty area and whipping crosses into the box. The Bees defence is up to the task though and they keep Spurs at bay.
That was the visitor’s best period on the ball so far. 15 minutes to play.
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