Arsene Wenger’s desire for a “more serene break” in the summer was all but granted here when Tyler Blackett’s own goal left Arsenal on the cusp of qualifying automatically for the group stage of the Champions League. Arsenal look destined to finish third now.
After an anaemic first half by Arsenal, during which they deservedly fell behind to the excellent Ander Herrera, Wenger’s side stepped up a gear in the second half, especially when Theo Walcott arrived to give more drive down the right.
Louis van Gaal’s decision to remove Marcos Rojo, who was doing well at left-back, invited Walcott to attack the incoming Blackett, and forcing the deflected goal seven minutes from time.
Arsenal supporters had been calling for Walcott’s arrival and his introduction for Hector Bellerin brought that equalizer of huge significance.
United’s hopes of qualifying automatically for the group stage of the Champions League now hang by a thread after this. Arsenal lie two points and seven goals ahead of fourth-placed United and can confirm third against Sunderland at the Emirates on Wednesday. Only a last-day loss by Manchester City could give Arsenal any hope of second.
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