Analysis and summary of Arsenal’s victory over Manchester United at The Emirates. Arsenal clinched a key 3-1 victory over Manchester United at Emirates Stadium, putting them one step closer to qualifying for the Champions League.

In a tense match in North London, a Nuno Tavares tap-in, a Bukayo Saka penalty, and a Granit Xhaka screamer were the difference. Cristiano Ronaldo also made his imprint by scoring his 100th Premier League goal.

Arsenal dominated the first three minutes of the game, taking the lead. Xhaka’s cross eluded two United defenders and fell to Saka at the back post, who had his effort parried into Tavares’ path.

After Ronaldo slid a through ball into the feet of Anthony Elanga, who failed to finish his one-on-one opportunity, United nearly immediately answered.

As the tide began to change, United’s Bruno Fernandes wasted a wonderful chance before Elanga’s penalty request was rejected down. After some great United passing on the outside of the box, Ronaldo missed a half-chance before Diogo Dalot struck the crossbar.

Eddie Nketiah believed he’d extended Arsenal’s advantage after sliding a loose ball into the net from close range just before the half-hour mark. VAR was brought in to verify the goal after the offside flag was raised against the youthful attacker.

After the offside judgement was upheld, Arsenal was given a penalty after Alex Telles was ruled to have fouled Saka in the build-up. Saka took the initiative and sent David de Gea the wrong way.

United responded almost immediately, as Ronaldo received Nemanja Matic’s cross at the back post two minutes later and sent an attempt into the net.

Although the second half lacked the same level of excitement as the first, the game remained free-flowing and both sides continued to attack well.

United were granted a penalty ten minutes into the second period when Tavares handled the ball in the area, but Fernandes’ poor attempt hit the post.

United remained dangerous, and Ronaldo’s goal was disallowed soon after the hour mark. Following a flick on from Scott McTominay, he volleyed in from a close range, but the Portuguese drifted just offside.