Sixth-place Arsenal welcomed fifth-place Manchester United to the Emirates in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.
Both teams had opportunities to score in what was an open first 45 minutes, but neither could make the breakthrough.
Arsenal scored twice in the space of three second-half minutes through Granit Xhaka and Danny Welbeck, however, to open up a two-goal lead with 57 minutes on the clock, and that score stood at full-time.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
3.01pmAfternoon all! Sports Mole's live Premier League coverage continues from the Emirates Stadium, and it is quite a big one as Arsenal welcome long-term rivals Manchester United. Both of these teams can still finish in the top four this season, but a poor result this afternoon might well end their hopes of a Champions League finish. Stay tuned for what promises to be a pulsating afternoon of football!
3.04pmThis afternoon will bring the 225th meeting between Arsenal and Man United in all competitions, and it is the Red Devils that lead the head-to-head 96 wins to Arsenal's 81, while the remaining 47 fixtures have finished level. Incredibly, Arsenal's 3-0 victory over Man United in the corresponding fixture last season was the London club's only win in 11 Premier League attempts against the 20-time English champions – losing six times in the process. It should be a cracking tie from North London.
3.07pmMan United's last league win over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium was in November 2014, although the points were shared in a 1-1 draw when the pair met at Old Trafford earlier this season. Should Arsenal triumph this weekend, it would actually be the first time since November 2001 that Man United have lost consecutive Premier League away games against the Gunners.
3.10pmRight, without further ado, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news from the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal have had a free week to prepare for this match, but Man United were in Europa League semi-final action away to Celta Vigo on Thursday night. Any changes? Let's see...
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3.13pmTEAMS!
ARSENAL: Cech; Holding, Koscielny, Monreal; Ox, Ramsey, Xhaka, Gibbs; Ozil, Welbeck, Sanchez
UNITED: De Gea; Tuanzebe, Smalling, Jones, Darmian; Carrick, Herrera, Mata; Rooney, Mkhitaryan, Martial
3.16pmArsenal boss Arsene Wenger initially ruled Granit Xhaka out of this afternoon's match due to a calf problem, but the Swiss international does start against Man United in a 3-4-3 formation. There is a spot at centre-back for 21-year-old Rob Holding, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Kieran Gibbs start in the wing-back positions once again. Danny Welbeck will lead the line against his former club.
3.19pmAs expected, Man United boss Jose Mourinho has rung the changes at the Emirates, with Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Michael Carrick, Juan Mata, Wayne Rooney and Anthony Martial all coming into the XI. The big team news, however, is the inclusion of Axel Tuanzebe at right-back, with the teenager making his Premier League debut for the 20-time English champions in an unfamiliar position.
3.22pmSo there we have it. The two teams are in and we are now just about 40 minutes from kickoff on this mild afternoon in London. I shall speak about Man United a little bit later, but let's start with the hosts Arsenal. For the first time under the stewardship of under-pressure manager Wenger, the Gunners risk the possibility of failing to finish in the top four in the Premier League.
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3.25pmA record of 18 wins, six draws and nine defeats have brought Arsenal 60 Premier League points, with that total leaving them in sixth position – nine points behind fourth-place Manchester City, but with two games in hand. Victory for the Gunners here would put them right back in the race for a Champions League finish, but even a surge into the top four would seemingly not be enough for the majority of Arsenal fans, who continue to air their displeasure with the direction that the club is heading.
3.28pmIndeed, the future of head coach Wenger is still undecided, while key players Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez, who both start today, are preparing to enter the final 12 months of their contracts, with both believed to be intent on leaving the Emirates this summer. The Gunners will face Chelsea in the final of the FA Cup later this month, but failure to show any progress in the Champions League has led to widespread criticism of Wenger, although the Frenchman has thus far refused to walk away.
3.32pmThree wins over Middlesbrough, Man City and Leicester City between April 17 and April 26 boosted confidence, but last weekend's 2-0 defeat at Tottenham ensured that they would finish behind their bitter rivals in the Premier League for the first time since 1995. Seventeen points currently separate sixth-place Arsenal from second-place Tottenham, while Chelsea are 21 points ahead of the Gunners.
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3.35pmArsenal will enter this fixture boasting an impressive record at the Emirates this season, however, winning 11 of their 16 Premier League matches and suffering just two defeats. Liverpool have just been held to a goalless draw by Southampton, and both Arsenal and Man United will be looking to close the gap this afternoon. It is a weakened Man United XI, but one that is capable of securing three points.
3.38pmOn Wednesday, Man United boss Mourinho claimed that he would prioritise the Europa League over the Premier League in the final weeks of the season. Indeed, the Red Devils took a big step towards the Europa League final on Thursday night when they recorded a 1-0 victory in the first leg of their semi-final away to Celta Vigo, setting them up nicely for the return next week.
3.42pmLifting the Europa League title would bring an automatic spot in the group stage of the 2017-18 Champions League, but Man United are still very much in the race for a top-four finish in the Premier League entering the final run-in. Indeed, just four points separate fifth-place Man United from fourth-place Man City – who have played one game more - while the Red Devils are just five points off third-place Liverpool, who have played two games more. This game at the Emirates is massive!
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3.45pmIt is a tough end to the season for Mourinho's side, however, who will travel to Tottenham Hotspur on May 14, before visiting Southampton three days later. They will finish at home to Crystal Palace on May 21, but the top four could have already been decided by the time that match rolls around.
3.48pmMan United have drawn 10 of their 18 Premier League games at Old Trafford this season – which has cost them the chance to consolidate a spot in the top four – but they have an impressive away record this season. Only Chelsea (39) and Man City (35) have collected more away points than Man United (34) this season, with the Red Devils winning 10 of their 16 fixtures, suffering just two defeats.
3.52pmWhat's more, it is now 25 Premier League matches since Man United last tasted defeat, with that loss (4-0) coming at Chelsea on October 24. There is no question that there has been too many draws for Mourinho's side this season, but such a long unbeaten run must always be respected.
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3.55pmHere we go then - both sets of players have gathered in the tunnel ahead of kickoff. You just get the feeling that the first goal this afternoon - if there indeed is one - could be vital in terms of the final result. It it is Arsenal against Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League.
3.58pm
12 - Jose Mourinho has faced Arsenal without losing more times in the Premier League than he has any other side (12 - W5 D7 L0). Dominant.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) May 7, 2017
0 minKICKOFF! Arsenal kick things off at the Emirates Stadium...
2 min... it must be said that the Emirates pitch is absolutely wonderful. It is almost like a carpet. I have actually played on this surface, and it was an absolute delight. Not an awful lot to report in the opening couple of minutes, with both teams battling for control of the ball in the middle of the park.
3 minHalf-chance for Man United as Mata finds Rooney's head with a super cross from the left, but the skipper's effort is just over the Arsenal crossbar. Excellent movement from Rooney there.
4 minMan United win a free kick in a dangerous area, but Rooney swings his cross straight at Cech.
5 minSmart goalkeeping from De Gea as the Man United goalkeeper collects a low cross from Sanchez after the Chilean had driven into the away side's box. Couple of lively moments for both teams.
5 minSAVE! Rooney feeds Martial inside the Arsenal box, but the Frenchman cannot beat Cech at his near post! Another good moment for the away side early on here.
7 minIt has been a very lively opening seven minutes at the Emirates, with both teams not shy in committing players in the final third of the field. Neither defence looks too secure at the moment.
9 minArsenal's back three is all over the place at the moment as Man United continue to find space in the final third of the field. Smart work from Herrera wins another corner for the visitors, but the home side manage to clear their lines through Sanchez. It has been a brilliant opening nine minutes here.
9 minSAVE! Sensational goalkeeping from De Gea as the Spanish goalkeeper keeps out a low strike from Ramsey, which looked to be heading for the bottom corner. Excellent work there.
12 minPlenty of possession for Man United in the last couple of minutes as they pass and probe in the final third, but Arsenal are quick across the turf and manage to force the away side back.
14 minBit of possession for Arsenal in the last two minutes, but Man United look pretty stern in a defensive area as they continue to clear their lines. Both teams have had their moments in the early stages, but still no breakthrough. The Emirates Stadium is very nervy it must be said.
16 minWelbeck runs past Jones inside the Man United box, but Herrera is across on the cover to clear, excellent midfield work from the Spaniard. Arsenal are looking dangerous in possession of the ball.
19 minMartial is a serious threat for Man United whenever he has the chance to run into space, but Arsenal are having plenty of the ball as they look to probe in the final third of the field. Both managers will be pretty content with what has happened in the opening 19 minutes of this match.
21 minNot too much of an atmosphere inside the stadium, with most of the noise coming from the Man United end. Martial's power and pace continues to cause Arsenal's back three problems here.
22 minMata delivers a brilliant free kick towards the far post, Mkhitaryan heads back towards goal, but the home side manage to clear their lines. Arsenal's defence is all over the place at the moment.
24 minBit of possession for Man United as they look to draw Arsenal out here.
25 minHalf-chance for Rooney as he meets a cross from Herrera, but his effort is wide.
26 minMata breaks down the right for Man United before looking to find Mkhitaryan inside the Arsenal box, but his cross is into the arms of Cech as Man United continue to look dangerous. Arsenal then break down the other end and cause havoc from a corner, but Jones blocks Welbeck's effort.
29 minArsenal break down the left through Ramsey, but the Welshman cannot find a cross into the box, with the ball dropping behind for a goal-kick. Little over 15 minutes of the first period to play here.
30 minCHANCE! Wonderful chance for Arsenal as Ramsey breaks free inside the Man United box before feeding Welbeck, but Smalling is across to make an excellent block!
31 minSAVE! De Gea keeps out a strike from Oxlade-Chamberlain!
32 minSAVE! Wonderful chance for Man United as Monreal somehow feeds Rooney inside the Arsenal box, but the Man United captain cannot finish from close range. What a save!
34 minStill goalless as we approach the latter stages of the first period, but plenty has happened in the opening 34 minutes, with both teams having opportunities to make the breakthrough. Both have had two attempts on target, and both goalkeepers have had to make some really smart saves.
36 minPossession for Arsenal in the last two minutes, but Man United are comfortable at the back.
37 minWelbeck finds a dangerous position inside the Man United box, but the offside flag is raised. It was a very close call. Tight margins as we approach the final stages of the first period at the Emirates.
38 minHerrera hits the deck and stays there after a clash of heads in Arsenal's half of the field.
41 minNot too much of an atmosphere as we approach the final moments of this first period, with frustration around the Emirates Stadium. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - could be vital in terms of the final result. It has been a very even game up until this point.
43 minPressure from Arsenal late in the half, but Man United continue to defend their penalty box. It has been difficult for the home side to find space, especially in central areas of the field.
45 minNot much has happened in the last five minutes as we head for the half-time break. Neither manager will be too dis-pleased with what they have seen in the first half of action here.
45 min+2HALF-TIME: Arsenal 0-0 Man United
4.46pmSo there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with the two teams heading down the tunnel at 0-0. Both sides have had opportunities to make the breakthrough, but neither has been able to find the back of the net. A very entertaining first 45 minutes, but no goals to report.
4.51pmSTATISTICS! Man United shaded the first-half possession with 51%, while the away side managed four attempts - two of which were on target. Arsenal, meanwhile, hit the target with two of their five attempts. No yellow cards to report at the Emirates. In truth, it has not been that type of match.
4.56pmBENCH WATCH! Man United have the likes of Pogba, Lingard and Rashford on what is an attacking bench this afternoon, while Arsenal have options in the shape of Bellerin, Giroud, Iwobi and Walcott. Safe to say that both managers have options for change in the second 45 minutes here.
46 minRESTART! Man United resume the action here...
47 min... no changes from either side at the interval, which is not too much of a surprise. However, I suspect that both managers will have alterations in mind as the second period develops here.
49 minConsidered start to the second period from both sides, although it is Arsenal that have had more of the possession. You do get the feeling that the first goal could well decide this affair in London.
51 minVery muted atmosphere inside the stadium at the moment, with the Man United fans making most of the noise as the second period starts to gather pace. Neither side has created an opportunity since the restart, but Arsenal have had more of the ball. Something is boiling under the surface.
52 minIt must be said that debutant Axel Tuanzebe has had a wonderful game for Man United here.
54 minGOAL! Arsenal 1-0 Man United (Xhaka)
55 minArsenal make the breakthrough in the 54th minute as Xhaka hits one from distance, and a deflection off Herrera takes the ball looping into the top corner. Huge slice of luck for Arsenal.
57 minMan United have to come out and face Arsenal after falling behind, and that will allow the home side space in the final third of the field. I should imagine that Mourinho is considering changes, with Rashford and Pogba capable of making a difference. Still a lot of football to be played here.
57 minGOAL! Arsenal 2-0 Man United (Welbeck)
58 minArsenal double their lead in the 57th minute as Oxlade-Chamberlain delivers a dangerous cross into the Man United box, and Welbeck's header smashes off the underside of the crossbar and in.
61 minMAN UNITED SUB! Lingard replaces Mkhitaryan for the away side.
62 minMarcus Rashford is also preparing to enter the field for the away side here.
63 minMAN UNITED SUB! Rashford replaces Herrera for the away side.
64 minPlenty of possession for Man United in the last few minutes, but they are finding it difficult to create chances, and Arsenal are dangerous when they have the chance to counter-attack here.
65 minSAVE! Cech turns Rooney's free kick wide of the post.
67 minGood pressure from Man United in the last few minutes, but they are leaving a lot of space down the other end of the field, and Arsenal will fancy their chances of getting a third on the counter-attack.
67 minBOOKING! Koscielny (Arsenal) is booked for a foul on Martial.
70 minLittle over 20 minutes of the second period remaining, and Arsenal are counter-attacking on Man United at the moment as the home side allowed Mourinho's team to have plenty of possession. Still time for the away side to hit back here, but you sense that a response would have to come soon.
72 minArsenal continue to look dangerous in the final third as Sanchez swings a cross into the Man United box, but Jones does enough to clear ahead of Welbeck. It remains 2-0 Arsenal with 72 minutes played.
74 minRooney hits one from outside the Arsenal box, but his effort was always wide of the post.
76 minARSENAL SUB! Coquelin replaces Xhaka for the home side.
78 minLittle over 10 minutes of football remaining at the Emirates, and not much is happening at the moment as Arsenal keep the ball in Man United's half of the field. Nothing from the visitors.
81 minRooney again tries his luck from distance, but his effort misses the crossbar once again.
82 minScott McTominay could be about to come on for his Man United debut here.
84 minARSENAL SUBS! Bellerin and Giroud replace Welbeck and Oxlade-Chamberlain.
85 minMAN UNITED SUB! Scott McTominay replaces Mata for Man United.
87 minPossession for Man United as they look to hit back, but Arsenal remain compact, and manage to clear their lines once again. It just has not been Mourinho's day at the Emirates.
89 minBoth sets of supporters start to make their way towards the exits as we approach full-time here. Man United's attention will now switch to a massive game at home to Celta Vigo on Thursday night.
90 min+1We are into the first of three additional minutes at the Emirates.
90 min+3Time is almost up at the Emirates, and the points will go to Arsenal this afternoon. Almost a third for the home side as Sanchez looks to find Ozil inside the away side's box, but the ball runs out and Man United have a goal kick. The day belongs to Arsenal and Arsene Wenger.
90 min+3McTominay tests Cech with an effort from just outside the Arsenal box.
90 min+4FULL-TIME: Arsenal 2-0 Man United
5.50pmSo there we have it. The referee brings the second period to a close with Arsenal running out 2-0 winners over Man United at the Emirates. Mourinho made wholesale changes for this match, and his team came unstuck. Thanks for joining our live coverage once again. Until next time!
