Arsenal 3-0 Man United
by Tashan
Deniran-Alleyne
at Ashburton Grove

MANCHESTER UNITED’S Premier League hoodoo over Arsenal was broken in spectacular fashion on Sunday afternoon as a stunning first-half display at Ashburton Grove ensured a comfortable 3-0 victory for the hosts.

The Gunners scored twice inside the first 10 minutes through Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil, with the former netting his sixth goal in the space of the week before the half-hour mark as the home side recorded a first win in the league over their rivals since May 2011.

The in-form Chilean superstar broke the deadlock after just five minutes as he brilliantly flicked home from close range after being picked out by Ozil, then seconds later the hosts were two up thanks to a composed finish from the German international.

United were simply shell-shocked by the rampant start from their rivals and it got even better for the hosts as Alexis doubled his tally with a spectacular effort from just outside the penalty area, which flashed past David de Gea into the top corner and handed the Gunners a three-goal lead after just 20 minutes of action.

Aaron Ramsey, who netted the winner in Arsenal’s previous victory against United in the league, spurned a great chance to open his account for the season after just 30 minutes as he found himself in acres of space at the back post, but mistimed his connection and failed to test De Gea.

The away side struggled to create any clear-cut chances in the opening period, however on the stroke of half-time Anthony Martial easily shrugged off a challenge from Per Mertesacker and his effort was destined for the bottom corner until Petr Cech produced a superb stop with his feet.

United enjoyed the bulk of possession after the break, with Martial seeing a penalty shout waved away.

Captain Wayne Rooney then drew a save from the Czech international as the visitors looked for a route back into the game.

Arsene Wenger’s side managed to see out the rest of the game with relative ease to record only their second home win of the season and inflict a first league defeat since the end of August for Louis van Gaal’s outfit.

The result means both sides head into the international break two points behind leaders Manchester City and the Red Devils face a tricky test away at Everton in their next fixture, while Arsenal travel to newly promoted Watford.