---
title: "Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal: Where does this leave United?"
canonical: "https://readmanutd.com/2015/05/17/manchester-united-1-1-arsenal-where-does-this-leave-united/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
section: "Man Utd Match Reports"
published: "2015-05-17T21:22:18Z"
modified: "2015-05-17T21:22:37Z"
---

# Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal: Where does this leave United?

**After Swansea beat Arsenal 1-0 at the Emirates last week, it re-opened the possibility of Manchester United to put pressure on the Gunners in the hope of a top-three finish.**

Arsenal’s visit, however, ended in disappointment for United as despite their dominance in the first half, in which Ander Herrera put them one goal up with a crisp side-footed volley, they couldn’t hold on. United conceded from yet another freak deflection in the 82nd minute from substitute Tyler Blackett, which led to the game ending in a stalemate.

In his post-match press conference Louis van Gaal emphasised the point that Manchester United must get used to “killing off” games in which they are in control in order to compete with Chelsea. Ironically Mourinho consistently made the same point last season, which shows that United aren’t too far off from competing at the top.

In terms of the table, United remain in fourth spot and Liverpool’s defeat to Crystal Palace meant that they are secure in the top four. However, in order to avoid the pre-qualification stage of the Champions League United needed to leapfrog Arsenal into third place. This result leaves United two points behind Arsenal, with the Gunners still having to play Sunderland and West Brom. Whilst stranger things have happened in football, it is unlikely Arsenal will suffer two defeats at home, meaning the pre-qualification stage is becoming more of a reality.

In a way this result sums up United’s season – they were dominant on the ball and created a plethora of chances, yet they did not have the requisite quality in the final third to put the game to bed. On a positive note, the Old Trafford fear factor does look to be on its way back with only Chelsea and Southampton claiming points away to United out of the top seven.

United’s realistic, yet underachieving aim for this season is complete and Manchester United fans, staff and players can now look forward to next season where there will continue to be some exciting arrivals with Memphis Depay looking to be the first of many, but also some departures with Radamel Falcao and the heroic David de Gea set to leave for new pastures. Next season should boast a more resolute, fit and tactically astute Manchester United as Louis van Gaal aims to restore this great club at the top again.