CARRICK IN THE DRIVING SEAT
Images by www.irishexaminer.com
Manchester United blew the title race wide open after defeating Arsenal 3-2 in what was an absolutely engaging clash at the Emirates Stadium.
Miachel Carrick stunned everyone last weekend when he took charge of the Red Devils for the first time since Ruben Amorim’s departure and dominated the noisy neighbours. This weekend was the real decisive test, facing the high-flying Gunners, who had not lost to United in North London since 2017. The game promised to be exciting, and it was the hosts that took control, having the bulk of possession, which led to the eventual opening goal, just under the half-hour mark. Lisandro Martinez was unfortunate as a skewed pass from Martin Odegaard flicked of the Argentinian’s foot and into the net.
However, that lead lasted seven minutes as Martin Zubimendi was culprit to losing the ball outside his box only for Bryan Mbuemo to latch onto and keep his composure to level matters for United. The visitors looked composed and the scores stayed the same as they went into the break. Five minutes after the restart, Patrick Dorgu and Bruno Fernandez exchanged quick neat passes only for the Danish international to produce and amazing strike that was never going to be saved by David Raya. His shot thundered of the underside of the crossbar before going in to give United the lead. This will surely be one of the contenders for goal of the season.
United looked relaxed and settled and never bothered and it seemed as if they did enough to snatch a big win, but the set piece kings managed to level matters from a corner with six minutes left to play. Mikel Merino bundled the ball over the line, and the goal line technology immediately alerted the referee. At this point it looked like Arsenal could go on to snatch the winner with seven minutes of extra time on the way. However, substitute Matheus Cunha scored a sensational 87th-minute winner to clinch the victory for Manchester United and cut Arsenal’s lead at the top of the Premier League to four points.
This was the second consecutive impressive win for Manchester United under the interim guidance of Carrick and it looks like the club has finally turned the corner. Champions League football for next season looks good if United maintain these performances. The main question is whether Carrick will be given the job on a permanent role at the end of the season. He is making it difficult for the United hierarchy to refuse him the opportunity. Fulham is next in line for United.
