Arsenal remain top of the Premier League table but failed to extend their advantage as the Gunners tasted defeat for the first time this season.
Mikel Arteta's side were the better side for a large period of the game at Old Trafford but it was Manchester United that took all three points from the game. Gabriel Martinelli thought he had put the away side 1-0 up in the first half, only for VAR to intervene and chalk the goal off for a foul on Christian Eriksen in the build-up.
Bukayo Saka found an equaliser after Antony's debut goal, but two goals from Marcus Rashford against the run of play saw the Gunners fail to move four points clear of Manchester City. Arteta admitted to being frustrated that his side were unable to take a win from the game after a difficult test against an in-form United side.
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Despite the defeat, there is no reason for the Gunners to panic as they remain top of the table and now turn their focus to the Europa League. Arsenal's next Premier League fixture comes against Everton at the Emirates Stadium, a game in which they won 5-1 last term and Arteta will be hoping for the same again this season.
So, after Arsenal's first defeat of the season coming against Manchester United, here's how the national media reacted to the loss.
"The Gunners came into the clash as the only side to win all of their Premier League matches to date, and sat comfortably at the top of the table. However, they were undone by a fine counter-attacking performance from United as Mikel Arteta's side rued missed chances and defensive errors.
"Paul Merson warned the Gunners that the game was an 'acid test' to see where Arsenal are at, but they weren't able to continue their fine run of form. It wasn't a poor performance from the Gunners, but they lacked conviction in front of goal and that might worry Arteta after they squandered so many chances against Aston Villa in midweek.
"It is safe to say VAR hasn't had its greatest weekend and there was more controversy in this one as Arsenal thought they took the lead in the 12th minute. Bukayo Saka played a wonderful pass through to Martinelli, who took his time before the slotting the ball beyond David de Gea. However, after a lengthy check, referee Paul Tierney was informed by VAR to go over to look at the on-field screen. This was for a potential foul from Martin Odegaard on Christian Eriksen, who appeared to be clipped by the Arsenal midfield in the build-up to Martinelli's goal. Inevitably, Tierney decided to change his mind and disallow the goal - to the frustration of the Arsenal players and Arteta."
"What of Arsenal? There was no disgrace in defeat in what was their first big test of the season after beating Crystal Palace, Leicester, Bournemouth, Fulham and Aston Villa. They more than played their part in a pulsating game.
"Mikel Arteta’s team remain top, one point ahead of Manchester City, and this one could easily have gone their way – certainly if Gabriel Martinelli’s goal in the 12th minute had been allowed to stand. Eriksen was robbed on halfway by Martin Odegaard and Saka released Martinelli with an excellent through ball. The Brazilian held off Diogo Dalot long enough to steer a shot beyond David de Gea.
"Martinelli’s celebrations were cut short as the referee was advised to review the goal on the pitch-side monitor. He concluded that Odegaard had gone through the back of Eriksen and failed to get a touch on the ball. After a weekend of fierce VAR controversy, it was a close call but the correct one."
"Glamour, speed, skill, entertainment: Manchester United and Arsenal produced a riveting watch lit up by an Antony strike on his debut, the Gunners sparkled and a Marcus Rashford double shredded the visitors’ 100% Premier League record.
"In the final analysis, though, Mikel Arteta’s team had lost their way by the time Rashford scored his second after taking the excellent Christian Eriksen’s pass in a breakaway, killing them off in a contest that had a feel of cruiserweights hurtling at each other with zero respite. At the final whistle Arsenal remained league leaders on 15 points while United rose to fifth place on 12, torrid defeats in their opening two matches receding into the distance and their future, following this fourth consecutive victory, appearing ever brighter.
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