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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Dan Brown

Bukayo Saka copies Marcus Rashford and more moments missed in Manchester United loss at Arsenal

Manchester United conceded late as they suffered a 3-2 defeat to Arsenal in their Premier League clash at the Emirates on Sunday, with the Reds failing to take the chance to move above Newcastle United in the table.

It was United who opened the scoring in the clash, with Marcus Rashford registering his 17th goal in all competitions with a stunning strike in the 17th minute. However, the home side levelled proceedings before the half-time break through Eddie Nketiah. It was a disappointing goal for the Reds to concede, with David de Gea and Aaron Wan-Bissaka caught out trying to play the ball out from the back in the build-up to the equaliser.

Arsenal started the second period on top and took a 2-1 lead courtesy of Bukayo Saka. The England international picked the ball up outside the penalty area and stroked an effort past De Gea. Despite falling behind, the Reds responded well and grabbed an equaliser shortly after through Lisandro Martinez, with the Argentine somehow scooping the ball into the net with his head.

ALSO READ: United's game plan change in 74th minute backfired in defeat to Arsenal

However, United conceded in the 90th minute as Nketiah somehow managed to deflect Martin Odegaard's effort past De Gea in the United goal. There was a brief VAR check for offside, but the goal was given.

Here are four moments United fans may have missed in the Reds' loss to Arsenal:

Martinez dons bandage

Martinez was forced to wear a black bandage after suffering a cut above the eye in United's draw with Crystal Palace last week. While the collision was a nasty one, it was a positive for the Reds that the defender was able to feature against the Gunners.

Despite the cut, the Argentinian centre-back, who started alongside Raphael Varane at the heart of defence, was able to finish the match against Palace - and he played the full 90 minutes against the Gunners on Sunday.

The 25-year-old took some time to get back into Ten Hag's starting line-up after his World Cup triumph with Argentina. However, it appears that Martinez has fully regained his spot in the side. His header against the Gunners was his first goal for United.

Martinez scored his first Man United goal in the defeat to Arsenal. (Sky Sports)

Rashford nutmegs Partey

It didn't come as a surprise to many that United's opening goal was scored by Rashford. The forward has been in electric form and he put the away side in front with a stunning finish past Aaron Ramsdale. His strike was too powerful and accurate for his England teammate, but it was his skill in the build-up that gave him the space he needed.

Rashford, who initially regained possession for United, received a short pass from Bruno Fernandes before driving towards the Arsenal goal. With Thomas Partey ahead of him, the 25-year-old produced a wonderful bit of skill and nutmegged the Gunners midfielder. He was then able to complete the move with a wonderful finish.

Saka copies Rashford

Saka was brilliant against United, and his goal in the game was a stunner. The England international gave the away side problems throughout the clash and definitely deserved his goal. He was keen to celebrate putting his side 2-1 up.

As he ran towards the Gunners fans, Saka pointed towards his head - the same goal celebration that Rashford has been using since returning from the World Cup. It remains unclear if the Arsenal man was purposely copying the United ace, but it was certainly similar if not. His goal was his third successive strike against United.

Saka copied Rashford's goal celebration. (Premier League)

Van Persie chants

After the Reds had made it 2-2, United fans began to chant Robin van Persie's name. The Dutchman, who famously left the Gunners to move to Old Trafford, is understandably loved by supporters.

The striker made the controversial decision to join United, but it paid off as he won the Premier League title in 2013 and was also named Player of the Season that campaign.

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