Gunners defeat Man United to keep alive Champions League hopes

The Gunners took control of their Premier League top four finish with a 3-1 win over Manchester United, to revive their chances of featuring in the Champions League next season.

Nuno Tavares, Bukayo Saka and Granit Xhaka struck for Arsenal to move them three points clear of Tottenham, ahead of their game at Brentford later .

Nuno Tavares scored his first Arsenal goal and gave Arteta’s men a lead on the opening three minutes.

Bukayo Saka made it 2-0 from the penalty spot after an Eddie Nketiah goal was ruled out by VAR for offside.

United pulled a goal back immediately when Cristiano Ronaldo, who had missed United’s defeat to Liverpool, scored his 100th Premier League goal from a Nemanja Matic cross.

In the second half, a penalty by Bruno Fernandez rolled against the post as United wasted a great chance to draw themselves level.

Mikel Arteta made a change that saw Gabriel Martinelli come on for Emith Smith Rowe.

Arsenal shouted for a penalty kick for handball after Saka shot the arm of Alex Telles inside the box. The ball went back to Granit Xhaka who produced a stunning strike from 25 yards out to put the ball into the bottom right of the net.

Sixth-placed United are six points behind Arsenal and could miss out on European football next season.