Title Race Intensifies as Arsenal Edge Ahead; Relief for Amorim After United Sink Sunderland
Arsenal cemented their Premier League title ambitions and moved temporarily to the top of the table after a solid 2-0 victory over struggling West Ham United at the Emirates Stadium.
The win, coming in Mikel Arteta’s 300th match in charge, propelled the Gunners one point clear of rivals Liverpool, who play Chelsea later today.
The victory, however, was tempered by a familiar concern as captain Martin Ødegaard was forced off injured before halftime for the third time this season.
Despite the loss of their skipper, Arsenal’s new-found strength in depth proved vital. It was former Hammer, Declan Rice, who broke the visitors’ resolute defence. The £105 million ($141 million) man blasted the rebound high into the net after West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola parried Eberechi Eze’s powerful drive.
The points were made safe midway through the second half when Bukayo Saka converted from the penalty spot. The spot-kick was awarded after Jurrien Timber was fouled by El Hadji Malick Diouf.
The defeat leaves West Ham languishing in the relegation zone, while Arsenal continues their pursuit of a first Premier League title in 22 years.
Under intense pressure, Manchester United manager Rúben Amorim secured a vital and convincing win over high-flying Sunderland, giving the Portuguese manager much-needed breathing room heading into the international break.
On the eve of the match, Amorim had conceded he needed results quickly to avoid becoming the latest United boss to face the sack, having secured just 34 points from his previous 33 league games.
The match at Old Trafford began on a sombre note, with a moment of silence held to honour the victims of a terror attack on a Manchester synagogue earlier this week.
Amorim’s bold team selections paid dividends immediately. Debutant goalkeeper Senne Lammens kept a clean sheet, while Mason Mount, preferred to Matheus Cunha, eased the home fans’ tension with the opening goal just eight minutes in, finishing finely from a Bryan Mbeumo cross.
United dominated the first half, with Bruno Fernandes forcing a shot onto the woodwork after a tip from Sunderland keeper Robin Roefs.
The Red Devils doubled their advantage through Benjamin Sesko. The £74 million signing from RB Leipzig pounced with a predatory finish from a long throw-in, scoring his first Old Trafford goal.
A late first-half scare saw Sunderland initially awarded a penalty, but VAR intervened, ruling that there was insufficient contact by Sesko on Trai Hume.
Sunderland, who had enjoyed a dream start to their return to the top flight and began the weekend in fifth, were dealt a reality check, ending their impressive four-game unbeaten run. The victory offers Amorim a much-needed reprieve and a base to build upon during the upcoming international break.
