Arsenal's victory over Manchester United has set the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the title race on the final day of the season.
Leandro Trossard of Arsenal seized upon a defensive lapse from Manchester United to secure a crucial 1-0 victory on Sunday, propelling his team to the top of the Premier League table and ensuring that the title race will extend to the final day.
Arsenal's triumph, only their second win at Old Trafford in their last 17 visits, sees them with 86 points and one game remaining in what has become one of the tightest title races in recent memory. However, reigning champions Manchester City still hold the advantage with 85 points and two matches left to play.
Manchester City, in pursuit of an unprecedented fourth consecutive English top-flight title, have the opportunity to reclaim the lead when they face Arsenal's London rivals, Tottenham Hotspur, on Tuesday.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Arsenal's Kai Havertz expressed his anticipation for the upcoming match, saying, "I am going to be the biggest fan of Tottenham ever. Let's hope for the best. We didn't have our best game but we needed the three points and we have it now, so we can be happy. We have to win every single game as City are always keeping the pressure on."
Trossard found the net in the 20th minute after Havertz easily maneuvered into space on the right flank and delivered a precise cross into the box for Trossard to finish. Despite brief apprehension for an offside flag, it was revealed that Casemiro, who had recently transitioned from midfield to United's depleted defensive line, had failed to step up in time, keeping Havertz onside as the goal was scored.
Trossard's goal proved enough to earn Arsenal all three points.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag expressed his frustration with a shake of his head.
"Obviously, we only have one objective, to win the league," Trossard shared with Sky Sports. "We have done our job today, and it will be up to the last game, and that is what we are aiming for."
The match swung from end to end during the tense final minutes, with Arsenal's goalkeeper, André Onana, making crucial saves to deny shots from Arsenal substitute Gabriel Martinelli and Declan Rice.
United, aiming to recover from a disappointing 4-0 defeat against Crystal Palace on Monday, currently sits in eighth place with two games remaining. They trail sixth-placed Newcastle by three points in their bid for a European berth next season, setting up a pivotal encounter when Newcastle visits Old Trafford on Wednesday.
Ten Hag emphasized the significance of qualifying for Europe, stating, "That is the situation we are in, but still, we can get there. We have to take the responsibility, we have to fight for it, and everyone knows this."
Trossard's goal marked the 82nd goal conceded by Ten Hag's team this season in all competitions—their highest tally in a single campaign since 1970-71.
Despite enjoying possession in the final third and taking 14 shots compared to Arsenal's 11, United struggled to create clear-cut opportunities. Alejandro Garnacho posed a threat, particularly in the second half, but his efforts went wide or were saved, leaving him visibly frustrated.
The visiting fans, who continued singing throughout the game, erupted in celebration at the final whistle. Despite the torrential downpour, they reveled in Arsenal's hard-fought victory, acknowledging the job done by Mikel Arteta's team.
"We needed a result today in a really difficult place," stated Arteta. "Our history was not in favor of a result today, there was so much at stake, and we're happy with the result."
With this victory, Arsenal secured their 18th clean sheet in the league this season. Moreover, Sunday's win marked their 27th league victory of the season—a milestone surpassed only in 1970-71 (29 wins) and 1930-31 (28).
On the other hand, Manchester United's loss against Arsenal marked their 19th defeat in all competitions this season, their highest tally since 1978-79 (also 19).
Looking ahead, Arsenal will host Everton in their season finale, while Manchester City will face West Ham at home.
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