Sports Unlucky: Misfiring Arsenal beaten 2-1 by Manchester United

There is no better definition of hard luck than what befell Arsenal who lost 2-1 to Manchester United in their Premier League game late on Saturday at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal did all the great work in the match but it was surprising how they ended up losing the game despite Manchester United being second best for a huge chunk of the match.

The Gunners came off the blocks nicely, exploding with pace and intent as they completely overwhelmed United's makeshift defence.

But they lacked precision and directness in attack, struggling to find a way past David De Gea.

United will have their Spanish goalkeeper to thank as he pulled save after save to still keep his side in the game.

The first real chance that in all ramifications should have ended in net fell to Jack Wilshere, but the English midfielder shot directly at De Gea for him to make yet another save.

And Wilshere was lucky not to be shown a red card, after headbutting Maroune Fellaini during a clash.

Arsenal were frittering away chances and it came back to haunt them in the match.

Facing his former club, Danny Welbeck was working his socks off to find the net, but it was not the same for his opposite, Robin Van Persie who was equally facing his former club, but his presence was not really felt in the match.

Welbeck outpaced Paddy McNair but shot directly at De Gea, when it appeared that he could have squared the ball.

United's breakthrough came in the 53rd minute when Ashley Young's cross was misjudged by Wojiech Szczesny, but not properly cleared and Antonio Valencia fired in the rebound that ricocheted off Kieran Gibbs for an own goal.

The Polish goalkeeper got injured in the run up to that goal and was replaced by Emiliano Martinez.

Victory was on the horizon when United from a counter attack found the second goal.

Great vision by Felliani who picked out a pass to Angel Di Maria, and he in return laid it nicely to Wayne Rooney to chip over Martinez.

Di Maria missed a golden chance to kill off the contest after being played through on goal, but the Argentine wasted a great chance to make it three, failing to hit target.

But Arsenal held off for a late challenge and substitute Olivier Giroud belted in a stoppage time goal to set up a nervy three minutes.

However it was too late for any comeback as United held on to victory.

Somehow, Arsenal will go back and rue the missed chances they had to have won the game.

Even Arsene Wenger will be stunned that they came out of this match empty handed.

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