In a disappointing encounter that was a pale shadow of their mighty clashes of years gone by, Scott McTominay gave Manchester United the lead at the end of an attritional first half with a rising drive from the edge of the area.
Arsenal equalised just before the hour courtesy of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s cool finish. It was originally ruled out for offside but the video assistant referee confirmed the striker had been played onside by Harry Maguire.
United legend Roy Keane says former team-mate Ole Gunnar Solskjaer should “100%” be given more time as manager.
“I think he has been brilliant, a good honest guy. It is hard work at the moment, but there are six or seven young players learning their way,” said Keane
“We’re all very impatient, we want success yesterday, but you have to give the man time. He is frustrated, under pressure, but dealing with it. He’s a classy guy but no doubt he will be disappointed at not winning enough games.
“They have given him the job, support him in a couple of transfer windows. Are there more tough days ahead? You bet your life, but you need to stick with it. There was a lack of quality from both teams tonight. Their lack of goals, the lack of opportunities they’re creating.
“Give these boys time. But on tonight’s performance, none of them [neither Manchester United nor Arsenal] will be in the top four.”
Arsenal manager Unai Emery
“I want more – more in the result and in the performance but we are progressing. We were competitive but we can do better. We can control moments with the ball better and take more chances in the box.
“We have young players who can take confidence. Bukayo [Saka] is progressing well but we need other players too. This is not the best in terms of points but one point can be good if we win next Sunday against Bournemouth.
“We are very happy with him [Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang] and he is with his goal. We need more players with the ability to score.
“I think Bukayo is getting good performances for us. We are having to play on Thursday and then on Sunday. You have seen the players being competitive.”
Arsenal defender David Luiz
“We’re happy with the performance. You have to analyse each team performance and I think we did great.
“Even when we went 1-0 down we showed maturity – especially the youngsters who deserve the credit. They’re so young but know how to play football and live with the pressure, they’re more mature than before.
“It was interesting game for the supporters but we did well and so did the other team.”
On Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: “I hope he can continue this way as he’s an amazing player, great guy, player and professional – if he can continue this way it’ll be great for everyone.”
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