De Gea, Lingard lead United to victory in EPL

The brilliant performance of Spanish goalkeeper David De Gea and goals from Jesse Lingard gave Manchester United a 3-1 victory over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium here.

The fourth consecutive victory of the Jose Mourinho-led team left the Reds provisionally five points off the lead on Saturday, reports Efe.

Manchester United held a favourable position almost from the beginning. After four minutes the team secured an advantage with a goal by Ecuadorian Antonio Valencia.

Seven minutes later it extended its advantage. Anthony Martial met Jesse Lingard who beat Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech by the left post of his goal.

Arsenal monopolised the ball. However, the team derived little benefit from its possession because -- among other factors -- De Gea frustrated each of the attempts of the local team.

The team of Arsene Wenger, however, managed to close the gap at the beginning of the second half, in an effort conceived by Aaron Ramsey and culminated by Frenchman Alexandre Lacazette.

Arsenal then returned to the game and accelerated it.

However, Manchester United delivered the final blow to Arsenal with Lingard scoring the deciding goal.

Jose Mourinho's squad played the last quarter of an hour with one player less following the ejection of Paul Pogba.

Arsenal saw its first defeat after three consecutive victories to leave the fourth place at the table, now held by Liverpool.

--IANS

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