The Gunners fell to a disappointing loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford on Thursday night despite taking the lead in controversial fashion through Emile Smith Rowe
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In pictures: Man Utd v Arsenal
It was a tough night for Mikel Arteta’s Gunners side as they fell to a 3-2 loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Arsenal took a controversial lead through Emile Smith Rowe’s strike after David de Gea went down injured from a free-kick after 13 minutes – but the decision to award the goal has been praised by a top referee following the incident.
United equalised just before the interval through Bruno Fernandes and took the lead shortly after the break when Cristiano Ronaldo swept the ball into the bottom corner with a first-time finish.
Martin Odegaard swiftly drew the Gunners back level as he swept home Gabriel Martinelli’s cross.
But the evening then turned into a nightmare for Odegaard as his foul on Fred gave away a penalty that Ronaldo powered home.
It comes at a time when Arteta is receiving praise for his work at the club, and after the club have identified Alexandre Lacazette’s replacement.
Here are Mirror Football’s latest Arsenal headlines.
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Arteta praised
Former Arsenal player Mikael Silvestre has heaped praise on Gunners boss Mikel Arteta for following the “Arsenal way”.
Silvestre believes Arteta’s efforts are in keeping with the club’s philosophy which was established by Arsene Wenger and has been impressed with how he has managed the team so far.
He now believes the squad is “good to go” and that Arteta has put a foundation in place for the club to kick on and be successful for years to come.
Read the full story here.
Lacazette replacement identified
The Gunners are ready to target Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin should Alexandre Lacazette leave the club next year.
Lacazette’s contract at the Emirates is set to expire next summer with no sign yet that the forward could stay at the club.
A big bid for the England international could be accepted by Everton in order to give them the funds to address other areas of their squad in the summer transfer window.
And boss Rafa Benitez has hinted he could be ready to accept an offer should it be high enough.
Read the full story here.
Arsenal backed over controversial goal
The Gunners’ opening goal at Old Trafford ‘had to be given’, former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has explained.
Emile Smith Rowe put Arsenal into the lead in the 13th minute as his effort from outside the box ended up in the back of the net with United goalkeeper David de Gea down on the floor injured.
Even though a lengthy VAR check was carried out, the goal was given and Clattenburg has now explained exactly why that decision was made.
Read the full story here.
