Man Utd-Arsenal talking points

Olivier Giroud came off the bench and scored a late equaliser to rescue a 1-1 draw for Arsenal against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

The Frenchman headed home Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s cross in the penultimate minute of normal time after Juan Mata had given United a deserved lead midway through the second half.

It was a bitter blow for Jose Mourinho’s side, who dominated the game for long periods and restricted Arsenal to just a single shot on target. Here, we round up the top talking points.

More frustration for unlucky United

Mourinho described his side as the “unluckiest team in the Premier League” in his post-match interview with Sky Sports. He might well have a point. United have had 74 shots to their opponents’ 14 in their last three league games at Old Trafford, but somehow they have drawn them all.

The United boss was keen to emphasis his side’s “phenomenal” performance, but it was a maddeningly frustrating outcome after such a one-sided encounter. United produced one of their best performances of the season despite a raft of injuries and suspensions, and until the 89th minute it was looking like a statement of intent that could kick-start their season.

United were utterly dominant in the second half and they could easily have been ahead before the break. Mata and Anthony Martial went close, and United had a strong claim for a penalty when Nacho Monreal tangled with the excellent Antonio Valencia shortly before half-time.

United played with intensity. It was only the second time all season they have ran further than their opponents, and the defensive work-rate made a real difference. Arsenal have averaged 14 shots per game this season but they only managed five at Old Trafford. It was typical of United’s bad luck that their only effort on target ended up in the back of the net.

Giroud makes his mark

Alexis Sanchez went straight into the Arsenal team despite his injury scare on international duty, but the Chilean looked well short of his best. Instead, it was left to Giroud to come up with the equaliser. The Frenchman only touched the ball …

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