EPL results: Arsenal, Man United share points as City extend lead at top

January 30, 2021 11:53 pm

Arsenal and Manchester United played out an entertaining goalless draw in their English Premier League encounter at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday evening.

The match offered plenty but delivered no goal as Arsenal extended their recent unbeaten league run to seven matches despite missing their key trio of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Bukayo Saka and Kieran Tierney.

The Gunners started the game the better side and had chances through Thomas Partey, Granit Xhaka and Nicolas Pepe, but Man United grew into the match and edged an entertaining first half.

The Red Devils should have taken the lead on 20 minutes but Bernd Leno brilliantly saved Fred’s shot that was headed for the top corner, while Marcus Rashford and Aaron Wan-Bissaka both missed the target when well placed on goal.

Bruno Fernandes wasted the best chance of the half when he evaded David Luiz to create space for himself but the Portuguese playmaker’s curled shot went wide of the far post.

The Gunners came flying out in the second period just like they started the first but were denied a goal by desperate defending, Wan-Bissaka and Lindelof blocking in quick succession to deny Mikel Arteta’s men.

The North Londoners continued to dominate and Alexandre Lacazette hit the bar from a 20-yard free-kick, while Emile Smith-Rowe saw his stinging shot palmed away by De Gea.

Man United eventually stemmed the Arsenal tide and went closest when Rashford could only find the side netting, while Cavani’s predatory instinct departed him as he put another good chance wide at the end.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is now winless in his five EPL matches against Arsenal as Man United manager, while the draw ensured a club record 18 EPL away games unbeaten for United.

The draw also means second-placed Man United lost ground on Man City, their arch-rivals and league leaders who extended their lead by four points with a game in hand.

The Cityzens defeated Sheffield United, conquerors of United in midweek, thanks to a ninth-minute Gabriel Jesus goal that ensured a 1-0 win at the Etihad Stadium.

RESULTS