- Manchester United hold a remarkable record
- Arsenal’s loss to Manchester City has implications
- Top five finish is just two wins away
Manchester United hold a surprising record in the Premier League this season after Arsenal suffered a 2-1 loss to Manchester City on Sunday. Mikel Arteta’s men were beaten at the Etihad, throwing the title race wide open.
City took the lead through Rayan Cherki, whose excellent finish came in the 16th minute. But a moment of madness from Gianluigi Donnarumma saw Kai Havertz pounce just two minutes later and equalise.
The two title rivals couldn’t be separated until the 65th minute when Erling Haaland came to the fore. The Norweigan striker found the back of the net and, as such, secured all three points for the hosts.
Manchester United’s Incredible Record
While it is still mathematically possible for United to win the league, it’s extremely unlikely. Michael Carrick’s Reds sit third after beating Chelsea 1-0 on Saturday.
The Red Devils are 12 points behind Arsenal with five games remaining and still have encounters with Brentford and Liverpool on the horizon. But Carrick can take huge positives from the Gunners’ defeat.
United are the only team in the Premier League this season not to lose back-to-back games. Mikel Arteta’s league leaders were beaten 2-1 by Bournemouth last weekend before the defeat to City.
It’s an astonishing record given the difficulties the team have experienced during the campaign. To avoid consecutive defeats, especially after losing 18 times last season, is a massive surprise.
Why Manchester United Aren’t Title Ready
Where the Reds have faltered with regard to potentially entering the title picture is facing lowly placed opposition. The list of results that have ultimately prevented them from challenging are:
| Opponent: | Result: |
| West Ham (A) | 1-1 |
| Wolves | 1-1 |
| Leeds (A) | 1-1 |
| Burnley | 2-2 |
| Nottingham Forest | 2-2 |
| Tottenham | 2-2 |
| West Ham (H) | 1-1 |
| Leeds (H) | 1-2 |
United’s win against Chelsea was crucial as it ensured the team had not yet been defeated twice in a row. But is also boosted the push for UEFA Champions League qualification as Carrick’s men sit third and need just two more wins to confirm a top-five finish.
Matheus Cunha scored the winner on Saturday night, striking home after a superb Bruno Fernandes cross. Next up is the visit of high-flying Brentford on Monday (April 27th) and revenge will be on the players’ minds after suffering a 3-1 defeat in the reverse fixture back in September.
