Rice heroics, VAR redemption and Havertz woe – Arsenal winners and losers from Man Utd win
Winners
Declan Rice
If you ever needed an introduction to the chaotic drama that is late Arsenal victories then Declan Rice just initiated himself in the best way possible. A late goal of massive proportions and he knew it with that celebration.
His connection to West Ham will never fade but there’s no doubting what colour his blood runs now. The look on his face as he circled the pitch almost in disbelief at what he had just done was glorious.
Outside of the goal it was another dominant display when it comes to the passing dominance he brings to the side. We saw some more of his bursting runs and perhaps some risky play but the England international was always trying to make something happen.
Gabriel Magalhães
The quickness of thought to play Alejandro Garnacho offside was risky but considering the result genius. Knowing he wouldn’t have the speed to catch him, the body movement showed clearly his intention to play the forward off.
Outside of this game-saving moment, the Brazilian had his first start of the new season and showed perhaps what Arsenal had been missing. His calmness and strength at the back were needed and surely now he has solidified his place, especially with Thomas Partey out.
VAR
For all the talk of the horrific errors in the officiating since the start of the season, today all the big calls were right. Firstly, the decision on Kai Havertz, if I take the Arsenal hat off, it was not a penalty and I would be fuming were that to go against the Gunners.
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Garnacho was certainly offside despite ludicrous claims from Erik ten Hag that the camera angle was off-brilliant. Then the challenge on Rasmus Hojlund from Gabriel
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