Goals from Alexis Sanchez, Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial fired Manchester United to a 1-3 win over Arsenal in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
Manchester United made it eight wins in eight matches under interim manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, as they defeated arch rivals Arsenal 1-3 at the Emirates Stadium on Friday night, to advance to the fifth round of the FA Cup.
The Red Devils opened the scoring at the half-hour mark, when former Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez finished from a tight angle on his return to the Emirates, after being set up by Romelu Lukaku. Two minutes later, Manchester United doubled their lead with Jesse Lingard finding the back of the net with a composed finish following some more fine work by Lukaku.
Arsenal managed to halve the deficit before half-time, with star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubamenyang striking home the ball from point-blank range and came back strongly in the second period in search of the equaliser. However, substitute Anthony Martial made it 1-3 in the 82nd minute to kill the tie off and ensure United’s progression to the next round.
#MUFC ➡️ ?
Into the hat for the fifth round of the #EmiratesFACup! ? pic.twitter.com/9QL2VDaTk5
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 25, 2019
Here is how the Manchester United stars fared on Friday night against Unai Emery’s side.
Sergio Romero: 7.5/10
Making just his fourth start of the 2018-19 season, the Argentine international stepped up when needed, as he denied Aaron Ramsey’s headed effort early in the second half, before stopping Alexandre Lacazette’s powerful hit with the score still at 2-1. Not a lot he could have done about Aubameyang’s goal, but his distribution was iffy at times.
Ashley Young: 6/10
The veteran defender was culpable for Arsenal’s goal as he got dragged out of position by Alex Iwobi. Apart from that one mishap, Young was a solid presence on the field for Manchester United. Was defensively sound and disciplined, while also lending support going forward when needed.
Eric Bailly: 7/10
Making his first start in 2019, the Ivory Coast international should have done better in the lead-up to Aubameyang’s goal. Other than that, Bailly defended solidly, making life difficult for the Arsenal forwards with his physical presence. An encouraging display that will have given him a major confidence boost after a difficult season so far.
Victor Lindelof: 7.5/10
Another accomplished performance from the Swede at the heart of Manchester United’s defence. Calm and composed presence when Arsenal turned on the pressure after the break. Strode out with the ball confidently and his passing was on point as usual. Growing in confidence with each game.
Luke Shaw: 7.5/10
Back into the starting lineup after missing out last weekend with an illness, the English left-back was immense for United on the night. Played a critical role in the Red Devils’ second goal, driving forward from the back and picking Lukaku out with a well-weighted pass. Made a number of crucial blocks and interceptions at the back as well. Solid.
Ander Herrera: 7/10
Another typical ‘Ander Herrera’ performance loaded with bundles of energy and exceptional work-rate. Always available to help out in defence, while looking to keep his team moving forward every time he was on the ball. Proving his value in the team with another industrious display.
Nemanja Matic: 7/10
The Serbian midfielder went about his business with little fuss as he shielded the Manchester United backline with discipline and authority. Was alert to any counters from the home team and recycled the ball well, keeping things ticking over in a smooth manner.
Paul Pogba: 7/10
Not the World Cup winner’s best performance under Solskjaer, but made key contributions to the result on the night. Endured a reasonably quiet first period, but stepped it up after the break, driving Manchester United’s counter attacks with his pace and distribution. His surging run and shot was saved by Petr Cech, but Martial converted the rebound for the third goal.
Jesse Lingard: 8/10
The academy graduate was once again made to play through the middle as was the case in the win over Tottenham earlier this month. And, he was once again immense for United on the night. Took his goal with great composure in the first period and was a constant menace with his movement in the final third.
Seemed to lose his cool late in the game as he got into altercations with the opposition and was rightly withdrawn. Nevertheless, another tireless and influential performance from Lingard.
Romelu Lukaku: 8/10
Given the nod over in-form man Marcus Rashford, Lukaku grabbed his opportunity with both hands. Playing in the right-side channel, the Belgian showed his playmaking qualities as he set Alexis up with a beautiful pass before putting it on a plate for Lingard minutes later. Influence waned after the break, and he grew visibly tired before being substituted.
Alexis Sanchez: 7/10
It was a big night for the Chilean, returning to his old stomping ground, and under pressure to deliver. Sanchez duly stepped up, rounding Cech and slotting the ball into the net from a tight angle to set the visitors on their way. It will have done his confidence a world of good, as he looks to get his Manchester United career on track.
Substitutes
Marcus Rashford: 6/10
Replaced Lukaku with a little over fifteen minutes left on the clock. Stretched the Gunners with his pace. Booked for getting involved in a melee with Sead Kolasinac.
Anthony Martial: 7/10
Came on for Alexis in the 72nd minute. Put the bed to game, scoring United’s third goal with a well-hit strike.
Phil Jones: N/A
Thrown on in place of Lingard in the dying moments as United looked to close the game out.
