Former Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has delivered his verdict on Arsenal's Premier League title credentials following their dramatic 3-2 defeat at home to his old club, insisting the Gunners remain the team to beat despite this significant setback.
Rooney's Title Assessment After Emirates Drama
Speaking after Manchester United's stunning victory at the Emirates Stadium, Rooney acknowledged that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will be "concerned" by his team's performance but maintained that the north London side should still be considered "favourites" to lift the Premier League trophy.
The defeat saw Arsenal's lead at the summit of English football cut to just four points after Manchester City secured victory earlier in the weekend, setting up what promises to be a tense title race during the second half of the season.
Match Analysis: United's Remarkable Comeback
The encounter at the Emirates provided spectators with a thrilling five-goal spectacle that showcased the unpredictable nature of Premier League football. Arsenal initially took the lead through an unfortunate Lisandro Martinez own goal, only for Manchester United to equalise before half-time through Bryan Mbeumo's composed finish.
Patrick Dorgu's spectacular strike shortly after the interval put the visitors ahead, but Arsenal appeared to have salvaged a point when Mikel Merino levelled the scores, setting up what many anticipated would be a tense finale. However, Manchester United demonstrated remarkable resilience, with Matheus Cunha producing a moment of individual brilliance, bending a superb strike past David Raya to secure all three points for the visitors.
Rooney's Detailed Observations
Rooney, providing analysis for BBC Sport, expressed particular admiration for Manchester United's second-half performance while noting Arsenal's apparent nervousness during crucial moments of the match.
"I thought second half Manchester United were excellent and deserved the win," Rooney stated. "I thought Arsenal were a bit nervy and started the second half on the back foot really. I think United took advantage of that, looked dangerous, defended really well again and deserved to win in the end."
The former England captain also highlighted the remarkable start made by caretaker manager Michael Carrick, who has now secured victories against both Manchester City and Arsenal in his first two matches in charge.
"It's been great for Michael [Carrick], two wins out of two against Manchester City and Arsenal," Rooney continued. "I don't think he would have dreamt of that start when he took over last week. I think you've seen a complete change in everything really since he's been in. He will be delighted."
Title Race Implications
Despite Arsenal's disappointing result, Rooney maintained his belief in their championship credentials, though he acknowledged Arteta will have concerns about recent performances against Liverpool, Nottingham Forest, and now Manchester United.
"I think Arsenal are still title favourites but it will be a concern for [Mikel] Arteta what's happened in the last three games," Rooney explained. "But I still think they're probably slight favourites."
United's Perspective
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire described his team's performance in north London as "magnificent," particularly praising their ability to secure victory after conceding a late equaliser.
"It was absolutely massive," the England international told Sky Sports. "We know that the first game, the derby at Old Trafford, you're always up for them and you know that one-off results can happen, so we had to back it up today."
Maguire also credited Carrick's immediate impact since taking temporary charge, noting: "Michael's [Carrick] come in, he's been brilliant with us, he's brought a fresh energy in, the group's really galvanised. Two tough games, everybody's probably thinks we come away from them with not many points but to win both is magnificent."
Looking Ahead
The victory propels Manchester United into the Champions League places above Liverpool, providing a significant boost to their European qualification hopes. Carrick's side face Fulham next weekend as they seek to maintain their impressive form under the interim manager.
Meanwhile, Arsenal must regroup quickly as they complete their Champions League group campaign against Kairat on Wednesday night before returning their focus to the Premier League title race, where their four-point advantage over Manchester City now appears more vulnerable than at any previous point this season.
