Arsenal gives Mikel Arteta his first win with strong showing against Man United

 Could Arsenal fans have pictured a better way to kickstart 2020? Probably not, as the Gunners hosted Manchester United on Wednesday to ring in the new year and looked brilliant in a 2-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium. 

Photo Credit: Arsenal

The result marked victory No. 1 for new manager Mikel Arteta. You better believe things were made even sweeter with it coming against United. 

From the opening whistle, the home side dominated play. Early on in the eighth minute, Nicolas Pepe put Arsenal ahead 1-0 with a left-footed effort that sent keeper David de Gea going the wrong way. United’s defense on the goal with abysmal, and the Gunners made them pay for it. 

Right before halftime, defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos, who holds one of the best names in the English Premier League, doubled the lead for Arsenal with a strong shot past de Gea. The 2-0 lead came after United’s defense once again disappointed, this time blowing it on a corner kick. 

In the second half, the visitors had some opportunities to get on the scoreboard, but Arsenal’s defense stood tough. United star Marcus Rashford was held in check from start to finish, which speaks to the job done by the Gunners. 

In a season that’s had more lows than highs, the victory over Manchester United surely brought smiles to the fans who made it to the stadium. Perhaps it’s a sign of more good things to come for Arsenal.