Nothing is as sweet as beginning a new decade on the victorious path. Mikel Arteta got his first win as Arsenal manager in the super game against Manchester United on New Year's Day.
There would have been no better way to recover from a painful loss inflicted on us by Chelsea earlier in the week. That 2-0 outcome would sure soothe the soul of everyone around the club.
In the lineup were four changes; Granit Xhaka, Sokratis, Nicolas Pepe and Sead Kolasinac all made the starting eleven. It was cool seeing the long anticipated combination of Mesut Ozil, Pepe, Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
We did not have to wait endlessly for the opener. In the eighth minute, Kolasinac raced down the left wing to receive a pass from Aubameyang, then cut the ball in for Pepe to convert. 1-0!
The Ivorian was close to getting another assist shortly after but all Auba could do was fire the volley over the bar.
A goal extension was required to at least push us out of danger zone. As things would play out to our favour, we went ahead for the second time just few minutes to the break.
Pepe delivered a corner kick that aided Lacazette to attempt a header which was pushed by De He's but Sokratis was right on time to connect and volley into the top of the net. We were two goals up by HT.
Arsenal was so cautious in the second period while the Red Devils pushed to send the ball in all to no avail. Our Uruguayan Torreira stood his grounds to ensure that we went with a clean sheet and all three points. What a way to begin 2020. We have moved to tenth position in the Premier League.
Arsenal will kickstart their FA Cup campaign with a home game with Leeds United before travelling to Selhurst Park to lock horns with Crystal Palace in the league.
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