Arsenal stopped Manchester United’s 25-game unbeaten run in the Premier League as they rounded up a 2-0 victory against their age-old rivals at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
After a tight first half, the second period blew the game open and the Gunners capitalised on it.
They looked the stronger team coming out of the tunnel after 45 minutes, and were rewarded for their good performance as Granit Xhaka’s long-ranged effort deflected off Ander Herrera to give the hosts a crucial lead.
Danny Welbeck, who graduated from Manchester United’s academy, once again found a way to score against his former employers with a towering header that beat David de Gea all ends up in the United goal.
However, the result was all the more important for Arsene Wenger as it was his first league win over his arch nemesis Jose Mourinho after failing to get a number over the Portuguese in 13 matches.
The managerial duo were among the talking points on social media:
Arsene Wenger has beaten a team managed by Jose Mourinho in the Premier League for the first time in his career.
Finally. pic.twitter.com/BzZsEpypEt
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) May 7, 2017
Arsenal vs Manchester United isn’t the same as it used to be, but Arsène Wenger vs José Mourinho certainly is. Going to be enthralling.
— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) May 7, 2017
When Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho respect each other during press conference, the media hates it, the journos twist everything.
— Sir Jenkinson (@theEpicGooner) May 7, 2017
Arsene Wenger ending the most pointless unbeaten streak in the history of football is just poetic.
— Samir Bhatia (@SamirBhatia8) May 7, 2017
Losing to Wenger, so that he gets a contract extension…
Tactical masterclass by Jose Mourinho. pic.twitter.com/GlZUqazKOw
— Footy Humour (@FootyHumour) May 7, 2017
It’s clear that José Mourinho has put all his eggs in the Europa League basket. Has to deliver on it, though, or could be worrying times.
— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) May 7, 2017
Arsenal 2 – 0 man utd
Yeah…. You ain't dreaming, and Yes Jose Mourinho is their manager— phantom (@harbjar) May 7, 2017
man utd fans should note this down,they will ever regret making jose mourinho their manager that they would want david moyes bck
— Odejide Ezekiel (@HuntsmanEzekiel) May 7, 2017
Pivotal win for the gunners if Champions League is still an option.
Other than that, a second win for Wenger against Jose Mourinho.
— Brandon Cortes (@thomasnuri) May 7, 2017
Despite being handed the Man of the Match award, fans had a mixed opinion about Aaron Ramsey’s game. For some, he really stepped up to the task and delivered in a big game, while for the others, he made a number of silly errors.
Man of match, @Arsenal's Aaron Ramsey
76 touches
60 passes, 88% accuracy
1 chance created
1 shot (on target)
11.73km covered, most in game pic.twitter.com/M2mHmnnXbP— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) May 7, 2017
What a fine runner Ramsey is. Should have been the next Vidal.
— reverse_ball (@reverse_ball) May 7, 2017
sometimes I want to give Ramsey a chance but then he goes and does some dumb shit and it's like nvm
— Iv. (@ivesxo) May 7, 2017
When Ramsey got Shirt No.8 from No.16 years back, someone Tweeted saying it's b'se he's now Half the Player he used to be. Makes sense now.
— Hazard (@Nuwaha17) May 7, 2017
That half illustrates Ramsey perfectly. Great runs that nobody else offers, but also giving the ball away sloppily
— Tom (@Tomthegunner) May 7, 2017
You either love or hate Aaron Ramsey.
Alexis Sanchez hates him.
— ㅤ (@Ozilcentro) May 7, 2017
If you don't think Ramsey's been our best player today then you'll probably never rate him. He's been excellent.
— JB™ (@gunnerpunner) May 7, 2017