Arsenal vs Sheffield UTD: Who’s going to be the table toppers today!

In their most recent Premier League match, Arsenal staged a remarkable comeback, erasing a 2-0 deficit to secure a 2-2 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, thereby preserving their unbeaten record in the competition (W6 D3). The Gunners are eager to trim Tottenham's lead at the summit of the league table to just two points. Their confidence is further buoyed by a triumphant 2-1 victory over Sevilla in the Champions League on Tuesday.

In stark contrast to their opponents, United find themselves at the bottom of the table, having garnered a mere single point from a draw with Everton, while losing their other eight Premier League fixtures. The team is yet to taste victory in any competition this season, and is in dire need of a turnaround following five consecutive losses. During this losing streak, they have conceded a staggering 17 goals while only managing to find the back of the net twice.

Let’s see what happened in the match today:

First-half begins!!!

• In the 1^st minute, Hamer initiates the start of the match, kicking off the game for United.
• In the 6^th minute, Rice sees an opportunity as he finds himself with some room just outside the D and takes a shot. However, Robinson is perfectly positioned to block it. Not resting on his laurels, Robinson then acts swiftly to prevent Nketiah from capitalizing on the rebound.
• In the 10^th minute, Saliba stumbles and loses control of the ball, allowing Brewster to seize the opportunity and steal it from him. Slimane then takes charge, progressing down the left flank before deftly laying the ball off to Hamer. However, White is quick to intervene, dispossessing Hamer before he can fully control the ball.
• In the 16^th minute, Zinchenko makes a well-timed run into the penalty area and is perfectly found by Martinelli. He attempts to deliver a pass to Nketiah, but Norwood intervenes, sliding in to redirect the ball safely into Foderingham's waiting gloves.
• In the 18^th minute, Arsenal continues to maintain control of the ball, but their progress is being stymied by United's high-pressing strategy, which is effectively preventing them from penetrating into the final third of the pitch. Patience will be key for the hosts as they navigate this challenge.
• In the 22^nd minute, United has notably increased the pace of their ball movement after winning possession. Hamer attempts a long switch out to McAtee, who cleverly cuts inside to evade Zinchenko. However, there is no teammate in the box to connect with his shot.
• In the 28^th minute, Nketiah finds the back of the net! Arsenal responds to the growing frustration among their home fans with a goal. The play unfolds on the right side, involving White, Havertz, and Saka. Saka delivers a square pass into Rice, who takes a quick look to spot Nketiah positioned near the penalty spot. Rice then curls a precise low cross to Nketiah. With quick footwork, Nketiah navigates around Trusty and calmly slots the ball past Foderingham, giving Arsenal a 1-0 lead!
• In the 36^th minute, Saliba launches a long ball over the top, and it's Zinchenko who makes a well-timed run behind the last defender. Zinchenko controls the ball with his chest, but Trusty responds swiftly, sliding in to thwart him and prevent a shot on goal.
• In the 41^st minute, a promising combination between Smith Rowe and Saka on the left flank leads to a pass into Martinelli, who is positioned just inside the box. Martinelli's first touch helps him elude Bogle, allowing him to fire a shot toward the near post. However, Foderingham is up to the task, making a good save to push the ball away and deny Martinelli.
• In the 43^rd minute, a chance for Arsenal! Martinelli outpaces McAtee and delivers a low cross from the byline into the box. Smith Rowe is unmarked and attempts a shot, but he slips as he strikes the ball. The shot ends up looping into the air, and Trusty heads it out for a corner, preventing a dangerous opportunity for Arsenal.

Four minutes added to half-time.

• In the 47^th minute, Nketiah commits a foul on Robinson, prompting Foderingham to launch a long free-kick forward. He delivers it to the edge of the box, where Norwood is positioned, but unfortunately, Norwood is unable to control the ball and maintain possession.
• In the 50^th minute, Nketiah scores once more! He initially won the corner, which is delivered into the six-yard box by Saka. Foderingham, with White and Bogle in front of him, stretches awkwardly to get a glove on the ball. However, Nketiah reacts swiftly to pounce on the loose ball and fires it into the top right corner of the net. United protests, claiming that the goalkeeper was impeded, but after a brief VAR review, the goal is allowed to stand! Arsenal now leads 2-0!
• In the 58^th minute, Hat-trick hero! Martinelli delicately chips the ball over Bogle to find Smith Rowe, and United's defense is slow to close him down. Smith Rowe then sets up Nketiah, who takes on the shot from the edge of the D. As Robinson tries to block the shot by ducking, Nketiah fires it over him. Foderingham stretches, but he can't prevent the ball from finding the back of the net. It's now 3-0 in favor of Arsenal!
• In the 59^th minute, in response to Arsenal's third goal, United is making a double substitution. Brewster, who has found it challenging to make an impact in the game, is being replaced by Archer.
• In the 60^th minute, despite being on the field for just a minute, Osborn commits a foul by clipping the back of Havertz's heels and is issued the first yellow card of the match.
• In the 62^nd minute, it’s a good save by Foderingham! Robinson clears the ball away from Havertz, but it falls to Martinelli on the left. Martinelli then sends a pass to the edge of the box, where White strikes it first time. However, Foderingham positions himself well and manages to push the shot away to deny White's attempt.
• In the 68^th minute, Rice's pass appears to be overhit, but Tomiyasu does well to retrieve it from the byline. Nketiah is positioned in the middle, hoping for another opportunity, but Norwood manages to reach the ball just ahead of him.
• In the 70^th minute, Bogle commits a foul by holding Trossard, preventing the Belgian from cutting inside, and as a result, he receives a yellow card from the referee.
• In the 73^rd minute, Arsenal is also making a double substitution. Smith Rowe is coming off the field, and Vieira is taking his place.
• In the 76^th minute, a chance for Arsenal! Trossard outpaces Baldock and delivers a cross, but Robinson heads it away. The ball bounces favorably for Tomiyasu, positioned on the edge of the box, but his low shot goes wide of the target.
• In the 82^nd minute, United has reverted to a deeper defensive position within their own half, and they are not pressuring Arsenal as aggressively as they were earlier. Arsenal continues to maintain control of the ball and remains comfortable in possession.
• In the 83^rd minute, Heckingbottom's final substitution sees One replacing Hamer in a late tactical change.
• In the 87^th minute, there’s a penalty shootout now! The referee has been asked to review the incident using the monitor. Norwood's challenge was reckless, as he slid in and caught the substitute on the heel with his studs. After a thorough review, the referee returns to the field and points to the penalty spot.

Ten minutes added to the game.

• In the 95^th minute, after a period of sustained possession, Souza carelessly loses the ball to Havertz, who quickly seeks out Nketiah. Nketiah charges into the box, but the Brazilian recovers effectively to thwart any attempt at a shot.
• In the 96^th minute, it’s Tomiyasu who scores the fifth goal of the game! The ensuing corner creates chaos in the Sheffield United box as it's flicked on by Elneny at the near post. Kiwior is on the ground, which unintentionally helps guide the ball to Tomiyasu. He adjusts swiftly and volleys his shot into the near top corner. Arsenal extends their lead to 5-0!
• In the 100^th minute of the game, it’s another chance for Arsenal! Nelson flicks the ball past One and finds Zinchenko, who gently lays it off for Havertz. Havertz takes the shot on the first touch, attempting to catch Foderingham off guard at his near post, but his effort hits the side netting.

And that’s it. The game is now over. Arsenal won the match, scoring five goals against Sheffield United and marking their presence in the league. So, stay tuned for more!