Chapter 390: Defeating the Gunners
"Dribbling past! Monreal was completely outplayed!"
Monreal didn't even have a chance to commit a foul. He wanted to grab Bruno, but Bruno's speed was too much. Monreal could only watch helplessly as Bruno carried the ball, effortlessly evading both Koscielny and Elneny. Bruno then heel-flicked the ball, sending it rolling past Elneny.
"Beautiful!"
Then, a red blur appeared.
"Juan Mata!"
Mata didn't stop the ball, he shot immediately. Jenkinson, who was supposed to be marking Mata, was completely caught off guard by Mata's determined advance and Bruno's heel-flick.
Cech, one of the best goalkeepers in the world, reacted quickly, managing to get a hand on the ball. However, the shot was powerful. The ball slowed down but didn't stop, it deflected and continued its trajectory, nestling into the net just inside the right post.
"GOOOOOOOOOOAL!"
"Juan Mata! The Spaniard scores a spectacular goal!"
"This summer, Mata almost left Old Trafford, but he chose to stay. No one expected that his cooperation with Mourinho would not only continue but also see him thrive."
"Mata's goal against Arsenal is crucial, breaking the deadlock and giving United the lead!"
"Keeping Mata this summer proved to be an excellent decision for United!"
Mata, overjoyed, ran to the stands, arms raised, shouting in celebration. The roar of over seventy thousand United fans at Old Trafford was deafening, creating an immense wave of sound.
In the 69th minute, Juan Mata scored, putting Manchester United ahead 1-0.
On the sidelines, Wenger was shouting, making more substitutions. French striker Giroud came on, replacing defensive midfielder Elneny. Wenger was going all out.
A few minutes later, Wenger made another change, bringing on Swiss midfielder Xhaka for the other defensive midfielder Coquelin, further strengthening their attack.
As the game approached the 80th minute, Mourinho made his third and final substitution, replacing the excellent Mata with Schneiderlin to bolster the defense.
When Mata left the pitch, the seventy thousand United fans stood and applauded, acknowledging his superb performance and crucial goal.
"This is one of the most thrilling matches between United and Arsenal in recent years," Lineker remarked.
On the field, Giroud, who had just come on, retrieved the ball from the net and ran towards the center circle, urging his teammates to prepare for the restart. Giroud had just scored, capitalizing on a cross from the right by Oxlade-Chamberlain. Jones fell while contesting the header with Koscielny, leaving Giroud unmarked to score with a powerful header, making it 1-1.
"There's still time and a chance," shouted the Arsenal commentator. "Just one more goal and we can turn this around! We can do it, we are Arsenal."
With less than five minutes left, including stoppage time, it seemed possible for Arsenal to find another goal.
But just three minutes later, Old Trafford erupted again.
After Xhaka fouled Rooney, United quickly took the free-kick. Bruno passed the ball out, Rashford headed it on, and Bruno surged past Monreal once more.
A deft touch with his left foot, a burst of speed, a sudden stop, another touch, another burst of speed. Monreal was left gasping for breath, and on Bruno's third acceleration, he could only watch as Bruno sped past with the ball.
Bruno surged forward, evading Xhaka and Koscielny, drawing Mustafi out, and then laid off a perfect pass. Rashford, facing the oncoming Cech, unselfishly passed the ball to Bruno, who calmly slotted it into the bottom right corner.
2-1!
United scored again, reclaiming the lead at 2-1.
"2-1! United are back in front. Incredible match, incredible United," shouted Lineker. "Arsenal had just equalized, and their fans were dreaming of a comeback, but United struck back instantly!"
"I said it before, don't underestimate United," Ferdinand added. "This United team built by Mourinho can surprise anyone."
"I must praise Rashford. The young academy product showed great selflessness, passing to Bruno instead of shooting himself. This is United, this is Mourinho's team, with fantastic team spirit."
The camera focused on Bruno embracing Rashford, thanking him for the assist. Rashford, smiling modestly, showed his humble nature.
The cheers at Old Trafford continued from Bruno's goal until the final whistle.
United's goal came in the second minute of stoppage time. Despite the referee adding an extra minute, Arsenal couldn't break through United's defense and had to accept a 2-1 defeat.
As the final whistle blew, Old Trafford erupted with joy. Fans celebrated, hugged, and shouted in ecstasy.
2-1!
United secured their 11th win in 12 league matches this season!
Wenger approached Mourinho, extending a hand with a stern face: "Congratulations, you won."
Mourinho, smiling, was about to invite Wenger for a post-match drink.
"Don't patronize me," Wenger waved his hand. "I don't need your false comfort."
"Ah..." Mourinho was at a loss for words. He had indeed intended to offer some consoling words.
But since Wenger had already said that, Mourinho decided to be straightforward. "I understand, losing is tough. I get it."
Wenger gave a bitter smile and walked away.
United's 2-1 victory over Arsenal temporarily extended their lead at the top of the table to eight points.
Liverpool, feeling the pressure, were held to a goalless draw by Southampton at St. Mary's Stadium.
Chelsea, however, didn't falter, winning 1-0 away to Middlesbrough, keeping within five points of United.
As a new week began, European competitions resumed. United faced Feyenoord at Old Trafford on Thursday night in their fifth group stage match.
With United already through to the knockout stages and secured the top spot, Mourinho rotated the squad heavily. Rooney led the line, with Mata, Bruno, and Gundogan behind him. Fellaini and Carrick were the holding midfielders. The defense consisted of Jones and Blind as center-backs, with the returning Shaw and Valencia as full-backs. Romero was in goal.
With no pressure, United played freely.
In the 35th minute, Bruno sent a perfect through ball, and Rooney coolly chipped the goalkeeper, putting United 1-0 up.
This was Rooney's 39th European goal, breaking Van Nistelrooy's club record. Rooney also reached 250 goals for United, surpassing Bobby Charlton as the club's all-time top scorer.
In the 69th minute, Bruno set up another goal, with Rooney unselfishly passing to Mata, who scored to make it 2-0.
In the 71st minute, Gundogan set up Bruno, whose shot was saved by the keeper.
In the 75th minute, Rashford, having come on as a substitute, broke down the left and crossed. Bruno's shot was deflected in by Feyenoord's goalkeeper for an own goal, making it 3-0.
In the 90th minute, Valencia crossed from the right, and Lingard's long-range shot found the top corner.
United won 4-0, securing their fifth consecutive group stage victory.
Feyenoord, having lost, were at a disadvantage in the fight for the second qualifying spot. However, they still had a chance to advance if they could beat Fenerbahce by a large margin in the final group match.
(End of Chapter)
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