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.
PENALTY! Manchester City 4-1 Watford (Jesus, 48’)
Jesus has his hat-trick!
After a delayed check from VAR as they cannot hear the hub, so they couldn’t go ahead with the penalty until that message was communicated.
The star slots it past Foster, the keeper hsi own demise as he is the one whose foul caused this.
Manchester City 3-1 Watford, 46 mins
A very quick update as 14 seconds into the second half Foster gives away a penalty with Jesus taken out!
Back underway! Manchester City 3-1 Watford
It’s mainly been a City party so far and Guardiola’s side will look to punish Watford in this second half.
The players are off in this second 45.
Half-time: Manchester City 3-1 Watford
Sterling had a chance and a Watford corner gave the visitors an opportunity but the half-time score remains 3-1.
City haven’t had all of the say in this opening 45 but it’s definitely their match after three impressive scores.
Jesus has a brace and Rodri scored to give the hosts a commanding lead. Kamara slotted home to keep Watford in this but the holders should close out this match.
Manchester City 3-1 Watford, 44 mins
The game has a slower pace as City look to close out this half after an impressive opening 45.
The hosts are building again here though with a long cross almost finding Cancelo on the far post, it goes just beyond him for a goal kick.
Cancelo fouls Cleverley and it ends with the City star booked.
Manchester City 3-1 Watford, 39 mins
De Bruyne is okay, he is up and back in the match.
That goal has deflated Watford’s balloon with the team getting a foot back into it after Kamara’s goal.
City are so patient, they go through the passes and individual skill to dance around the defenders is impressive. Jesus puts in a cracking cross for Sterling but it sails over the bar. Guardiola looks so frustrated that didn’t hit the back of the net.
GOAL! Manchester City 3-1 Watford (Rodri, 34’)
De Bruyne is down after he feeds Jesus, the ball comes back into the box and Rodri smashes it home!
All the momentum Watford have built disappates.
Manchester City 2-1 Watford, 32 mins
It was well worked from Watford, it started with great control from Louza and the team just went through the passes until they found Kamara. He took a touch and then eased it past Ederson.
City are now looking to hit back but Watford have gained confidence from that goal. De Bruyne fouls Dennis to give possession back.
A free kick is pingedinto the box and City only just manages to deal with it.
What a story it would be if Watford can get right back in this!
GOAL! Manchester City 2-1 Watford (Kamara, 28’)
That has come from nowhere!
A cracking cross from Dennis sees Kamara put Watford right back into this!
Manchester City 2-0 Watford, 28 mins
What a player De Bruyne is, that ball was the best you’ll see. Jesus couldn’t believe his luck, he hardly had to move to head home.
Now the Belgium international concedes a corner, Watford’s first, but it’s handled well by City who are now on the counter.
Sterling wins a free kick from Ngakia, it’s just inside the City half and De Bruyne is over the ball with Zinchenko. But it’s the Belgian who takes it. The ball pinballs and City have to build from deep.
Kabasele cuts a ball away from Grealish but City are on the charge again, it’s relentless from the holders.
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