By Chris
December 3 2017
Manchester United punished Arsenal with a clinical performance, bagging two early goals on their way to a 3-1 win at Arsenal's Ashburton Grove; a venue which has proved something of a fortress throughout 2017.
Arsenal had been eyeing-up a complete calendar year without losing a home league fixture, but United's attacking style put pay to that ambition.
However, though Jose Mourinho's men had some slick forward play to thank for their goals, it was shot stopper David de Gea who kept the Red Devils in control for long periods, with an inspired performance between the sticks.
The visitors led by two goals after only eleven minutes. Antonio Valencia beautifully fired home the opener, before Jesse Lingard drilled home the second after some impressive link-up play involving Romelu Lukaku and Anthony Martial.
Alexandre Lacazette - who had been expected to miss the game through injury - reduced the arrears shortly after the interval, as Arsenal dominated second-half possession but faced continual frustration.
Lingard grabbed a second goal on 63 minutes, and though Pogba was dismissed late on, the Red Devils held firm to claim a critical three points from a pulsating North London encounter.
Manchester City's hard-fought home win over David Moyes' West Ham means the gap between the two cross-city rivals remains eight points, ahead of next weekend's hotly-anticipated derby.
Full Time - Arsenal 1-3 Manchester United
Attendance - 59,547
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