Exciting But Goalless Match At Emirates, Arsenal vs. Manchester United, 0-0

Arsenal and Manchester United played without goals tonight at Emirates, disappointing fans worldwide who anxiously awaited their clash.

We can’t say that there wasn’t any action in London, but still, the derby ending without goals wasn’t what the fans hoped to see. The clash at Emirates had a good tempo, and both sides gave 100% of their power, posting several very good chances.

Arsenal threatened through Nicolas Pepe and Alexander Lacazette, while on the other side, Edinson Cavani had two marvelous chances for scoring, not utilizing at least one.

That's a good point for Arsenal, especially with the players they were missing. Could easily have won, (although they also have Cavani to thank for not losing). Out shot United 17-14. Five clean sheets in six games now. Holding and Luiz excellent, Pepe always a threat. pic.twitter.com/EnzLA0bkVS

— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) January 30, 2021

The match was opened cautiously by both teams, examining one another while waiting for some mistake. Arsenal tried to score first with Lacazette’s shot from a distance, but without any luck. On the other side, Fred responded in the same manner, yet Leno’s save was perfect. This was all in the opening 45 minutes, which were far less eventful than the next sequence.

Arsenal started strong, as Willian and Pepe tried their luck, which was followed by Lacazette’s free-kick that struck the bar. It was by far the best chance for the home team in this contest. Smith-Rowe also had one solid try, but his attempt went awfully close to the post.

Meanwhile, Edinson Cavani missed two golden opportunities for the visitors. The first one saw him shooting beside the empty net after one cross from the left side. The Uruguayan himself couldn’t believe what happened. But to make it even worse for him, at the finish of the match, he had another shot from inside the box that also went wide.

Bruno Fernandes was invisible in this event, and that was a massive handicap for the Red Devils, who didn’t have the sharpness in the attack. Besides the Portuguese, Marcus Rashfor was pale as well, and the English striker didn’t do a single good thing until he left the pitch, being substituted with Mason Greenwood.

“I felt we had the bigger chances to win the game. Decent performances, good defensively, two massive chances in the second half. We had a good performance,” Solskjaer said following the game.

Man Utd set a new club record with tonight’s draw, with 18 consecutive matches on the road without a loss. However, that wasn’t their primary goal, but three points, and it is safe to say that the boys from Old Trafford leave London disappointed.

Manchester United 18 games in a row away from home without losing in the Premier League #Respect

Arsenal 6 clean sheets in last 8 PL- games #respect

— Jan Aage Fjørtoft 🇳🇴 (@JanAageFjortoft) January 30, 2021

Their local rivals, Manchester City, increased its advantage in the standings to three points, having a game in hand as well, which is something frustrating for United, who lost at home this midweek against the last-placed Sheffield United, thus making a big slip in the title race.

Arsenal continued its progress, as Gunners play much better now than a few weeks ago. They now have seven Premier League games in a row without a defeat,and are steadily going up in the standings.

“The boss is doing a great job. The young boys have progressed a lot and are fantastic. The team has a great atmosphere. We are far from first. But the ambition has to be there,” veteran center-back David Luiz explained after the event.

The Gunners visit Wolves on Tuesday night, and after that have one more away game, this time at Villa Park against Aston Villa. United will host Southampton also on Tuesday, and after that have two more matches at Old Trafford, with Everton and West Ham.