Arsenal & Manchester United play out goalless draw
Arsenal and Manchester United have played out an entertaining 0-0 draw at the Emirates.
Arsenal was again without Kieran Tierney and Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang, while Bukayo Saka was not risked after complaining of a sore hip. New signing Martin Odegaard was on the bench.
United started the game the better side, controlling possession as they looked to make amends after their shock loss to Sheffield United.
It was an even first 10 minutes with both sides looked threatening going forward. Alexandre Lacazette had Arsenal’s first real chance. The Frenchman picked up the ball and drove at the United box and set his sights on goal, but the shot was straight at David De Gea.
Just minutes later, Fred had United’s best chance. After a corner kick, Rob Holding headed away only for the ball to fall to the Brazilian, who forced a great save from Bernd Leno in the Arsenal goal.
BIG save from @Bernd_Leno 👏
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 30, 2021
Fred tries his luck from the edge of the area but it’s tipped behind by our No 1
🔴 0-0 ⚫️ (20) #ARSMUN pic.twitter.com/x2ZsQL4oQH
The match was relatively even with both teams having their share of possession and shots, with United finishing the half on the front foot.
Marcus Rashford looked to have the goal at his mercy, however, the young Englishman took too long to get his shot away and Arsenal recovered defensively as the half ended goalless, but both sides were not without their chances.
We’re level at the break.#ARSMUN
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 30, 2021
Gabriel Martinelli made way for Willian at the break and Arsenal dominantly started the half. Willian had a glorious chance just minutes in as the ball fell to him unmarked however Aaron Wan-Bissaka produced a goal-saving block to keep the scores level.
United was still a threat on the counter and Edinson Cavani had a great chance to break the dead-lock as he had the goal at his mercy, however, his shot went agonizingly wide.
Arsenal were millimetres from going ahead after a Lacazette free-kick rattled against the crossbar as De Gea was rooted to the spot. The game never really hit any great heights until two minutes to go.
OFF THE BAR! 😩
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 30, 2021
A stunning effort from @LacazetteAlex, but his free-kick bounces back off the woodwork!
🔴 0-0 ⚫️ (65) #ARSMUN pic.twitter.com/pt1UvKGmeK
Nicolas Pepe was played in by Hector Bellerin and the Ivorian drove into the United box and looked to curl his shot inside the far post, but it went just wide.
Martin Odegaard came on for his debut in the 82nd minute for Emile Smith Rowe. United nearly snatched all three points with two minutes to go in normal time. Cavani again had the goal as his mercy, but again his shot went wide.
The game petered out as both sides claimed a point in what was an entertaining clash at the Emirates.
A spirited performance, but the points are shared. #ARSMUN
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 30, 2021
Attention will now turn to transfers for Mikel Arteta with the deadline fast approaching.
Up next for Arsenal is a tricky away trip to Wolves mid-week.
