Man City vs Manchester United LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction
Manchester City will hope to consolidate their place at the top of the Premier League as they host Manchester United in the always highly-anticipated Manchester derby and the Red Devils are without Cristiano Ronaldo through injury.
A rare unsteady run from Pep Guardiola’s men has seen them drop points against Southampton and Tottenham before narrowly squeezing past Everton last time out. Coupled with a very impressive run of victories for Liverpool the title race has been reignited with Jurgen Klopp’s men hot of the heels of the league leaders.
Manchester United will hope to knock Man City’s hopes of retaining the Premier League title but have endured a mixed run of form and performances under Ralf Rangnick. The Red Devils have only lost once under the German but they have been held to three draws in their last five Premier League games including a 0-0 result against Watford last Saturday.
With a competitive chase for the Champions League spots likely to run until the end of the season, United will hope to repeat their recent performances at the Etihad and steal a vital point or three.
Follow the live Premier League action from the Manchester derby below:
Man City vs Manchester United
GOAL! 5' - Kevin de Bruyne calmly finishes to give City the lead. 1-0
GOAL! 21’ - Jadon Sancho curls home the equaliser. 1-1
GOAL! 28’ - Kevin de Bruyne’s second goal of the game restores City’s advantage. 2-1
GOAL! 68’ - Mahrez curls a delightful volley into the bottom corner. 3-1
Man City XI: Ederson, Walker, Laporte, João Cancelo, Stones, Rodri, Grealish, De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Foden, Mahrez
Man United XI: De Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Telles, McTominay, Fred, Pogba, Elanga, Fernandes, Sancho
Manchester City FC 3 - 1 Manchester United FC
Man City 3 - 1 Man Utd
18:19 , Michael Jones
86 mins: A rare mistake from Joao Cancelo sees him give the ball away to Marcus Rashford. Rashford doesn’t have many options so takes the ball over to the right side of the pitch and swings a deep cross into the box. Bruno Fernandes makes a run into the area on the far side but Ederson meets the ball in the air and tips it over the head of the Manchester United midfielder.
Man City 3 - 1 Man Utd
18:14 , Michael Jones
83 mins: Manchester United look dead on their feet. City have run them ragged in this second half and they responded at all since the third goal. Pep Guardiola is encouraging his team to keep pushing up the pitch and create more chances. There are goals still out there for the league leaders and in a title race that could come down to goal difference any more they can pick up here could be vital.
Man City 3 - 1 Man Utd
18:13 , Michael Jones
80 mins: Save! Kyle Walker makes an overlapping run down the right wing and keeps the ball alive just inside the byline. He whips it across to Joao Cancelo on the opposite side of the box and the left-back meets it who decent bicycle kick volley. It’s sneaking in but David De Gea leaps across and palms the ball away.
Man City 3 - 1 Man Utd
18:10 , Michael Jones
77 mins: Kevin De Bruyne is taken off by Pep Guardiola and receives a warm round of applause from the Manchester City fans for his efforts toward. Two goals and an assist for City’s captain.
Ilkay Gundogan comes on to replace him.
Man City 3 - 1 Man Utd
18:05 , Michael Jones
74 mins: Save! Manchester City look content to pass the ball around in their own half then out of nothing it comes up to Jack Grealish. He turns and dribbles straight at United’s penalty area before sliding a pass across to Kevin De Bruyne. De Bruyne puts it into the box for Mahrez who hits one with his right foot this time and forces De Gea to punch it clear at the near post.
Man City 3 - 1 Man Utd
18:03 , Michael Jones
71 mins: The real problem for Manchester United has been their lack of possession in the second half. They just can’t get the ball of Manchester City. The home side are killing them with possession. It’s mountain to climb now for the Red Devils.
GOAL! Man City 3 - 1 Man Utd (Mahrez, 68’)⚽️
18:01 , Michael Jones
68 mins: Right on cue! Kevin De Bruyne floats the corner kick over to the far side of the box. Riyad Mahrez makes a late run from deep and meets the dropping ball on the half volley. There’s slight deflection off Harry Maguire which takes the ball away from David De Gea and gives City their thrid goal of the game!
Man City 2 - 1 Man Utd
17:59 , Michael Jones
66 mins: There only look to be one winner here. Man City are all over Man Utd. Jack Grealish again carries the ball through the middle of the final third before passing it wide to Joao Cancelo. He arrives in the box and wins a corner after Aaron Wan-Bissaka blocks his cross out of play. If City score again it’ll be the end of this game.
Man City 2 - 1 Man Utd
17:54 , Michael Jones
63 mins: Yellow card for Harry Maguire. City break through Mahrez who sends the ball up to De Bruyne. City’s playmaker dinks it past United’s captain who lunges into a tackle and cleans out the Man City midfielder.
Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford come on to replace Anthony Elanga and Paul Pogba for Man Utd.
Man City 2 - 1 Man Utd
17:52 , Michael Jones
60 mins: Another Man City free kick in a dangerous area. Just outside the left edge of the ‘D’. Riyad Mahrez and Kevi De Bruyne both stand over the dead ball but it’s De Bruyne - looking for a hat-trick - he drills a low effort around the wall and into the hands of David De Gea.
Man City 2 - 1 Man Utd
17:51 , Michael Jones
57 mins: Man City almost add a third as a Kevin De Bruyne free kick is flicked up to the edge of the box. Riyad Mahrez gets there first and smokes a shot high and wide.
In response United play Elanga into the right side of the box but his first touch takes the ball away from and Joao Cancelo gets back to boot it straight out of play.
Man City 2 - 1 Man Utd
17:45 , Michael Jones
54 mins: Close! Jack Grealish drops to the halfway line to collect the ball off Aymeric Laporte. He turns towards goal and drives through Manchester United’s half before passing the ball into Riyad Mahrez arriving on the right hand side of the box. Mahrez cuts onto his left foot and shoots but Fred is back in time to block the effort out for a corner.
Man City 2 - 1 Man Utd
17:43 , Michael Jones
51 mins: Great defending from Joao Cancelo and Aymeric Laporte who both intercept passes trying to slip Anthony Elanga in behind City’s backline.
Man Utd haven’t been able to get a foothold in the game since the restart.
Man City 2 - 1 Man Utd
17:41 , Michael Jones
48 mins: Aaron Wan-Bissaka dithers over the ball as he looks to clear his lines and gets shouldered to ground by Phil Foden. The City forward brings the ball into the box and snatches at a shot across goal sending it wide of the far post.
Second half: Man City 2 - 1 Man Utd
17:36 , Michael Jones
Kick off: City get the game restarted. No changes from either team at the break. Will City improve on their advantage or can Manchester United get themselves back on level terms and maybe push for a winner?
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17:33 , Michael Jones
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Man City 2 - 1 Man Utd
17:27 , Michael Jones
Jadon Sancho has given Manchester United a bit of hope that they can get something out of the game. Both of Man City’s goal have come from errors at the back so if United can cut those out they may be able to find more joy in the attacking third.
Man City 2 - 1 Man Utd
17:23 , Michael Jones
Two goals for Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne sees the league leaders with the advantage at half-time. Can Manchester United respond in the second half?
Man City 2 - 1 Man Utd
17:19 , Michael Jones
45+3 mins: Alex Telles’ corner ball is punched away by Ederson and Bruno Fernandes’ follow gets blocked in the middle of the box. Another United corner drops to Harry Maguire but the ball just hits him and rolls gently towards goal where Ederson scoops it up to end the first half.
Manchester City take a one-goal lead into the break.
Man City 2 - 1 Man Utd
17:16 , Michael Jones
45 mins: Three minutes off stoppage time to get added on at the end of this first half.
Man City 2 - 1 Man Utd
17:15 , Michael Jones
43 mins: Chance! Lindelof knocks the ball over the top and picks out Bruno Fernandes in the City box. He lays the ball off to Elanga who passes it back to Pogba. Pogba’s square pass is blocked before it reaches Fred but the ball comes back to Fernandes who sends it over to Sancho on the left side of the area. He leans back as he hits a first time effort and spoons the chance high and wide.
Man City 2 - 1 Man Utd
17:11 , Michael Jones
40 mins: Close! Another Manchester United mistake sees Paul Pogba give the ball away to Kevin De Bruyne who sweeps up the pitch and threads a pass into the box for Phil Foden. He sends a shot back across but the angle is tight and he can’t find the target at the back post.
Man City 2 - 1 Man Utd
17:09 , Michael Jones
37 mins: The game gets back underway after just a three minute pause which is hopefully a good sign for whoever needed some assistance in the crowd.
Man City 2 - 1 Man Utd
17:07 , Michael Jones
34 mins: There’s some activity in the stands behind David De Gea’s goal and the match is stopped whilst it gets sorted out. This sort of thing is usually a medical problem with one of the fans in the crowd. There’s a break in play allowing Pep Guardiola to give out a few more instructions before a round of applause breaks out in the crowd near to where the incident is suspected to be.
Man City 2 - 1 Man Utd
17:03 , Michael Jones
31 mins: De Bruyne is now the first Manchester City player to score a brace in this fixture in the Premier League since Sergio Aguero in April 2015. You wouldn’t put it past him to get a hat-trick, he looks up for it today.
GOAL! Man City 2 - 1 Man Utd (De Bruyne, 28’)⚽️
16:59 , Michael Jones
28 mins: City are back in front! Incredible skill from Phil Foden to flick the ball over Victor Lindelof and carry it into the box. He shimmies away from Aaron Wan-Bissaka and fires a shot at goal that David De Gea keeps out. The rebound comes to Bernardo Silva but his effort strikes Alex Telles and still United can’t clear their lines. Kevin De Bruyne gets the last chance and smokes it home with a solid right-footed strike from eight yards out.
Man City 1 - 1 Man Utd
16:56 , Michael Jones
25 mins: Nearly! Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva and Jack Grealish all combine with short passes to work the ball up the Man Utd;s penalty area. Bernardo slips it up to Grealish who sends a cross into the box and hits Foden who whips his head onto the ball and guides it onto the top of the crossbar!
GOAL! Man City 1 - 1 Man Utd (Sancho, 22’)⚽️
16:52 , Michael Jones
22 mins: Great finish from Jadon Sancho! Jack Grealish’s pass into the box is won by Aaron Wan-Bissaka who chips it out to Bruno Fernandes. Fernandes passes it forward and sends Paul Pogba running into the City half. Sancho joins him with a run down the left side and Pogba curls the ball over to him. He brings it into the box checks inside of Kyle Walker and John Stones then guides and curling effort onto the inside of the far post! United are level!
Man City 1 - 0 Man Utd
16:50 , Michael Jones
17 mins: Paul Pogba is caught on the ball and loses it deep in his own half. Joao Cancelo knocks a pass into the feet of Kevin De Bruyne who drives into the area and forces David De Gea into a low svae to his left. He parries the ball back into the middle of the box wehre Harry Maguire and Phil Foden are tussling to get to it first. Maguire wins and both players hit the deck as he boots it away. The referee has a good view of the coming together and blews the whistle to give United a free kick.
Man City 1 - 0 Man Utd
16:47 , Michael Jones
14 mins: Manchester United win the ball in their own half and look to sweep forward on a counter. The ball comes to Bruno Fernandes who spins off a tackle and sees Anthony Elanga making a good run down the inside left channel. He looks to fire across a diagonal pass but Jack Grealish comes in from behind and brings down the United playmaker.
Man City 1 - 0 Man Utd
16:43 , Michael Jones
11 mins: Paul Pogba sends Anthony Elanga free on the right wing. He recovers the ball and chips a decent pass into the penalty area where Fred fails to properly control the ball. He manages to pass it across to Pogba but he gets quickly shut out by three City defenders and the attack breaks down.
Man City 1 - 0 Man Utd
16:40 , Michael Jones
8 mins: Chance! Jadon Sancho brings the ball to the box from the left and slots it across to Bruno Fernandes on the front edge of the area. He slides a short pass into the middle where Fred collects the ball and shimmies around Kyle Walker. His last touch takes the ball away from him and Ederson is quickly off his line to charge it down before Fred can get a shot away.
GOAL! Man City 1 - 0 Man Utd (De Bruyne, 5’)⚽️
16:36 , Michael Jones
5 mins: Manchester City take the lead insisde of five minutes! They work the ball down the left side, Jack Grealish combining with Bernardo Silva to bring alongside the box. Grealish leaves it to Bernardo who makes a run to the byline and pulls the ball back into the box. Kevin De Bruyne is wide open and Alex Telles a little late in getting across to cover him. De Bruyne meets the pass and prods it nicely past David De Gea to open the scoring!
Man City 0 - 0 Man Utd
16:35 , Michael Jones
3 mins: The tentative early stages have seen Manchester United attempt to keep possession and play through the Man City press with limited success.
Off the ball, the visitors are sitting back and looking to hold a solid defensive shape.
Man City 0 - 0 Man Utd
16:31 , Michael Jones
Kick off: Manchester United get the match underway at the Etihad Stadium. The visitors have won four of the last five Premier League derbies at this ground and will be hoping for another three points today.
The ball come to Harry Maguire who knocks it down the right wing where the ball is won in the air by Man City.
Man City vs Man Utd
16:27 , Michael Jones
Here come the teams. Both sets of players come out wearing t-shirts with the message ‘No War’ in support of the people of Ukraine who are suffering after a Russia invasion of their country.
Man City vs Man Utd
16:24 , Michael Jones
Manchester United are unbeaten in eight Premier League games - four wins, four draws - the longest current run without defeat in the division.
They’ve opened the scoring in seven of those eight fixtures, with last weekend’s draw against Watford finishing 0-0. The Red Devils have scored in 20 consecutive away matches in all competitions since a 0-0 draw at Leeds in April 2021.
Man City vs Man Utd
16:21 , Michael Jones
Manchester City have won 15 of their last 17 Premier League games with one draw and one defeat in that run. The reigning champions have won all 20 league matches this season in which they scored first.
But, Pep Guardiola has lost four home games versus Manchester United, more than against any other opponent in his managerial career.
Bukayo Saka stars as Arsenal move into top four with Watford win
16:19 , Michael Jones
Bukayo Saka scored one goal and set up another as Arsenal moved into the top four with a hard-fought 3-2 win at Watford.
The Gunners ensured they did not lose any ground in the battle for a Champions League spot in a match full of high-quality finishing at Vicarage Road.
Martin Odegaard gave the visitors an early lead, dutifully responding after boss Mikel Arteta had called on the Norway captain to add more goals to his game.
Bukayo Saka stars as Arsenal move into top four with Watford win
Man City vs Man Utd: Cristiano Ronaldo not a ‘big loss’ for Manchester United in derby, claims Gary Neville
16:17 , Michael Jones
Gary Neville maintains Cristiano Ronaldo would not be a “big loss” for Manchester United if he misses the derby against Manchester City.
Speculation has suggested the Portuguese will miss the match at the Etihad Stadium through injury.
But Neville insists the 37-year-old’s profile and the style of play United will likely play against Pep Guardiola’s champions could mean his absence is not a significant blow to their chances.
Cristiano Ronaldo not a ‘big loss’ for Man United in derby, claims Gary Neville
Man City vs Man Utd: Head-to-head
16:14 , Michael Jones
The respective away side has won seven of the last nine Manchester derbies in all competitions, with the only home victory in this sequence being Manchester United’s 2-0 win in March 2020.
This will be the 50th Premier League meeting between the clubs. There have been 21 away wins, more than any other fixture in the competition’s history.
Man City are looking to complete the league double over United for the second time under manager Pep Guardiola, having also done so in 2018-19.
The Red Devils are vying to win four consecutive league and cup away games against City for the first time since a four-match streak between 1993 and 2000.
Man City vs Man Utd: Line-ups and changes
16:09 , Michael Jones
Man City make three changes for the derby. Kyle Walker comes in to the defence in place of Ruben Dias meaning John Stones will switch into the middle from right-back. Jack Grealish and Riyad Mahrez come into the attack, with Raheem Sterling and Ilkay Gundogan dropping to the bench.
For Man Utd, Harry Maguire returns to partner Victor Lindelof in the absence of Raphael Varane who misses out with Covid. Jadon Sancho comes in to replace Cristiano Ronaldo, which could mean Bruno Fernandes or Anthony Elanga as a false nine.
Scott McTominay also returns to midfield in place of Nemanja Matic.
Here’s a reminder of the two line-ups:
Man City: Ederson, Walker, Stones, Laporte, Joao Cancelo, De Bruyne, Rodri, Grealish, Mahrez, Bernardo Silva, Foden.
Man Utd: de Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Alex Telles, McTominay, Fred, Sancho, Bruno Fernandes, Pogba, Elanga.
Watford 2 - 3 Arsenal
16:03 , Michael Jones
Watford threatened a comeback right at the end of the game but Arsenal had enough game management to close out their win. That’s four wins in a row now for Mikel Arteta’s men who move ahead of Manchester United to take fourth place... for now.
Next up is the Manchester derby. Can United beat City and recover their place in the top four?
Full-time: Watford 2 - 3 Arsenal
16:00 , Michael Jones
90+6 mins: Arsenal hold on! They pick up three points and move into the top four!
Watford 2 - 3 Arsenal
15:51 , Michael Jones
90+2 mins: Cedric Soares goes down with a knock and takes a few seconds out of the game. Arsenal work the ball up to Nketiah who passes it to Saka. Saka tries to move the ball into the corner but runs into trouble and Watford win back possession.
Watford 2 - 3 Arsenal
15:49 , Michael Jones
90 mins: Five minutes of added time to play! Plenty of time for some late drama, can Watford earn themselves a point?
GOAL! Watford 2 - 3 Arsenal (Sissoko, 87’)⚽️
15:46 , Michael Jones
87 mins: Game on! Cucho Hernandez swings a forward pass into the box where Moussa Sissoko chests the ball down and drags it inside of Ben White who is left scrambling out of position. Sissoko takes a glance at goal, spots Aaron Ramsdale’s position and guides his effort into the opposite side of the net, sending the ball over line off the inside of the far post!
Watford 1 - 3 Arsenal
15:44 , Michael Jones
84 mins: Cucho Hernandez has a rare chance to create something for Watford as the ball comes into the box to him. He’s caught in two minds how to shoot and Kieran Tierney comes across to dispossess him.
Watford 1 - 3 Arsenal
15:41 , Michael Jones
81 mins: Off the post! Eddie Nketiah comes on the replace Alexandre Lacazette and almost makes an immediate impact as Arsenal burst forward on the counter. Martin Odegaard brings the ball up the pitch and slides it into the right side of the box. Nketiah pops up to take over and slots a low towards the gap at the near post. Ben Foster can’t get there and the ball hits the outside of the upright and bounces clear.
Watford 1 - 3 Arsenal
15:36 , Michael Jones
78 mins: Thomas Partey floats a lovely pass into the right side of the box that Nicolas Pepe brings under control. He tries to cut onto his left-foot for a shy at goal but Hassane Kamara nips in and takes the ball off him.
Watford 1 - 3 Arsenal
15:34 , Michael Jones
75 mins: Into the last 15 minutes at Vicarage Road. Nicolas Pepe is on for Arsenal having replaced Gabriel Martinelli.
The big news from the Etihad stadium is that Manchester United are without Edinson Cavani, Raphael Varane and Cristiano Ronaldo for their derby game versus Man City later on.
Man City vs Man Utd: Line-ups
15:31 , Michael Jones
Man City XI:
Your City XI to face United! 🔵🔴
XI | Ederson, Walker, Stones, Laporte, Cancelo, Rodrigo, De Bruyne (C), Bernardo, Mahrez, Grealish, Foden
SUBS | Carson, Sterling, Gundogan, Jesus, Zinchenko, Fernandinho, Delap, Mbete, McAtee#ManCity | @HaysTechnology pic.twitter.com/K4GMHkyIWZ— Manchester City (@ManCity) March 6, 2022
Man Utd XI:
🔴 𝐓𝐄𝐀𝐌 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 🔴
Introducing our Reds for the derby ⚔️#MUFC | #MCIMUN— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 6, 2022
Watford 1 - 3 Arsenal
15:28 , Michael Jones
69 mins: The next Arsenal corner is headed out of the box but recovered by the visitors. Saka receives the ball on the right side and chips it across to Ben White in the box. He’s got time to take a touch and then flick the ball towards goal but leaves Ben Foster with a very easy save.
Watford 1 - 3 Arsenal
15:27 , Michael Jones
66 mins: Arsenal win a corner and take their time setting it up. Cedric Soares curls the set piece in towards Gabriel but Craig Cathcart beats him in the air and heads it behind for another corner.
Watford 1 - 3 Arsenal
15:22 , Michael Jones
61 mins: Imran Louza is taken off by Roy Hodgson and gets replaced by Edo Kayembe. The Watford fans aren’t happy with that swap and voice there disappointment around the ground.
Watford 1 - 3 Arsenal
15:21 , Michael Jones
58 mins: Cedric Soares picks up the first yellow card of the game for a lunging tackle on Joao Pedro. Kiko Femenia flicks the ball over the top and plays Cucho Hernandez into the right side of the box. He pulls it back to Emmanuel Dennis and the Watford striker sees his effort blocked by Ben White!
Watford 1 - 3 Arsenal
15:16 , Michael Jones
55 mins: Chance! Ramsdale tries to clear his lines under pressure from Emmanuel Dennis and ends up giving it straight to Joao Pedro. Pedro knocks the ball into the box for Dennis who rolls it across to Tom Cleverly allowing the midfielder to strike a first time shot at goal. Ramsdale closes the gap at the near post and gets behind the shot as it comes in, clinging onto the ball and smothering it for Arsenal.
GOAL! Watford 1 - 3 Arsenal (Martinelli, 52’)⚽️
15:11 , Michael Jones
52 mins: Another great finish from Arsenal! A loose pass from Louza knocks the ball out of play and Saka takes a quick throw in to send Cedric bombing down the inside right channel. He squares the ball to Odegaard who dinks it over to Lacazette just inside the box. He lays it off first time to Martinelli who runs onto the ball and guides his effort straight into the far left-hand corner!
Watford 1 - 2 Arsenal
15:10 , Michael Jones
51 mins: There’s a coming together between Ben White and Cucho Hernandez with the Watford forward dropping to the ground claiming an elbow to the face. White look bemused and the referee is comes over to cool the situation down. There really wasn’t much to that and Hernandez tried to buy a free kick on the edge of the Arsenal box.
Watford 1 - 2 Arsenal
15:07 , Michael Jones
48 mins: Cedric Soares makes a sliding challenge deep in his own half and knocks the ball out for a Watford corner. The ball is throw to Tom Cleverly who whips a cross into the box and sends it straight into the hands of Aaron Ramsdale.
Second half: Watford 1 - 2 Arsenal
15:04 , Michael Jones
Kick off: Arsenal get the match back underway. It was a pretty even contest in the first 45 minutes in terms of chances created but Arsenal edged possession and will look to do the same in this half.
Man City vs Man Utd: It’s time to find out if Manchester United are good, bad or broken
14:59 , Michael Jones
It is coming up to three months since Ralf Rangnick’s first game in charge of Manchester United and if you feel things could have gone better, the bad news is that was the easy part. This upcoming run of fixtures, between Sunday’s Manchester derby and the end of April, is far more difficult.
At least when you look at the league table, United are where they want to be, or where they can best hope to finish. Fourth place is not the “ultimate objective”, as football director John Murtough was at pains to point out at last week’s fans’ forum, but it is the ceiling on their aspirations this season.
There is reason to believe that they could stay there, meet the minimum expectation and qualify for the Champions League. Results have not been quite as bad as the general perception would suggest. United have only lost one of their 13 league games under Rangnick. They are no longer in the tailspin of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s final weeks in charge.
It’s time to find out if Manchester United are good, bad or broken
China to suspend Premier League coverage to avoid broadcasting show of solidarity with Ukraine
14:55 , Michael Jones
China is suspending its coverage of the Premier League this weekend to avoid broadcasting the clubs’ show of solidarity with Ukraine.
The Premier League is planning to show its support for the Ukrainian people over Russia’s devastating invasion of the country, with club captains due to wear armbands in the national colours of yellow and blue across all 10 games. There will also be a moment of silence before kick-off at each ground, while messages of support will appear on advertising boards and on screens in stadiums. The official Premier League logo has also been altered to reflect the Ukrainian flag.
China to block broadcast of Premier League clubs’ support for Ukraine
Watford 1 - 2 Arsenal
14:51 , Michael Jones
A goal and an assist for this man so far gives Arsenal the lead at half-time.
Half-time: Watford 1 - 2 Arsenal
14:49 , Michael Jones
45+2 mins: A fascinating first half comes to an end at Vicarage Road with Arsenal taking a one goal lead into the break. Martin Odegaard opened the scoring after Emmanuel Dennis had a goal ruled out for offside. Cucho Hernandez equalised for the home team before a cool finish from Bukayo Saka put the Gunners back in front.
Will we see more goals in the second half?
Watford 1 - 2 Arsenal
14:47 , Michael Jones
45 mins: Watford defend the corner well enough but Arsenal recover the ball quickly again. The visitors are taking full control of the game now after Watford’s bright start. Two added minutes to play before the break.
Watford 1 - 2 Arsenal
14:46 , Michael Jones
42 mins: Close! Kieran Tierney brings the ball down the left wing and passes it up to Granit Xhaka. He flicks the ball inside to Thomas Partey who threads a pass into the box for Gabriel Martinelli. Martinelli opens up half a yard and shoots but Craig Cathcart is there to block the ball behind for a corner.
Watford 1 - 2 Arsenal
14:43 , Michael Jones
39 mins: Louza is definitely pumped up out there. Partey fires a pass into Xhaka who can’t bring the ball under control. It comes loose to Louza who is challenged almost immediately by Xhaka and fouled in the middle of the pitch. He gives the Arsenal man and heavy shove to move him away from the ball so that Watford can take a quick free kick.
Watford 1 - 2 Arsenal
14:41 , Michael Jones
36 mins: Imran Louza fouls Alexandre Lacazette and gives the Arsenal captain a few verbals for going to ground. A sign of frustration from the Watford players perhaps?
Watford 1 - 2 Arsenal
14:36 , Michael Jones
33 mins: Two shots on target from Arsenal, two goals scored. They’ve been clinical today and that’s why they’re in front. Watford have shown that they’ve got something about them today though and they won’t think they’re out of this game just yet.
GOAL! Watford 1 - 2 Arsenal (Saka, 30’)⚽️
14:33 , Michael Jones
30 mins: Beautiful goal! Bukayo Saka nicks the ball off Tom Cleverly deep in Watford’s half and passes it up to Alexandre Lacazette in the box. The Arsenal forward lays it off with a backheel flick and Saka runs onto the ball and laces it into the back of the net! Great goal from the Gunners.
Watford 1 - 1 Arsenal
14:31 , Michael Jones
27 mins: Emmanuel Dennis has been top quality for Watford so far. He’s causing big problems for Arsenal’s back line. Watford are looking good here. Can they get another goal?
Watford 1 - 1 Arsenal
14:28 , Michael Jones
24 mins: The free kick comes to nothing as Imran Louza knocks it straight into the arms of Aaron Ramsdale. Gabriel then boots the ball down the pitch and gives it back to the home side. Sissoko drives it forward down the inside right before passing the ball wide to Emmanuel Dennis. He drives into the box, cuts onto his left foot and shoots forcing Ramsdale into a low diving stop to his right. The Arsenal goalkeeper fumbles the ball and Joao Pedro almost capitalises on the mistake but Cedric beats him to the loose ball and pokes it away!
Watford 1 - 1 Arsenal
14:25 , Michael Jones
21 mins: It’s been very good and open game over these opening 20 minutes or so. The teams have gone toe-to-toe with each other creating chances at both ends of the pitch.
Watford defend a long throw into the box from Thomas Partey and work the ball down the inside left channel before switching it out to the opposite wing. Moussa Sissoko gives it Joao Pedro who leans on Gabriel and wins a free kick just outside the Arsenal box.
Watford 1 - 1 Arsenal
14:20 , Michael Jones
18 mins: Chance! Arsenal whip a cross in from the right wing but Hernandez is back in his own box to head the ball away for Watford. Granit Xhaka keeps the move alive for Arsenal by pressing up the pitch and recovering the ball on the front edge of the box before laying it off to Thomas Partey. He rolls the ball onto his left-foot and curls a decent effort towards the left-hand post but knocks it just wide of the target!
Watford 1 - 1 Arsenal
14:20 , Jack Rathborn
Watford 1 - 1 Arsenal
14:18 , Michael Jones
15 mins: Joao Pedro carries the ball up to the box from the right wing and lays a short pass off to Emmanuel Dennis. He brings the ball into the area and drills a low pass into the six-yard area for Cucho Hernandez but Gabriel blocks the pass and clears the Arsenal lines. It’s a confident start from Watford.
GOAL! Watford 1 - 1 Arsenal (Hernandez, 11’)⚽️
14:12 , Jack Rathborn
11 mins: What a goal from Watford! Moussa Sissoko brings the ball into the right side of the Arsenal penalty area but can’t pick out a pass into the middle. He lays it off to Emmanuel Dennis who holds up the ball long enough for Kiko Femenia to make an overlapping run. Dennis gives him the ball and the right-back hangs a cross into the middle of the box where Cucho Hernandez hits a perfectly timed scissor kick and beats Aaron Ramsdale at the near post!
Watford 0 - 1 Arsenal
14:10 , Michael Jones
8 mins: Nearly! Arsenal continue their dominance on the ball and send it over to Saka on the right again. He brings the ball down the wing but runs into trouble and has to knock it back to Cedric Soares. Soares curls a teasing cross into the box where Alexandre Lacazette and Granit Xhaka are waiting but the ball just evades both Arsenal players and goes out for a goal kick.
GOAL! Watford 0 - 1 Arsenal (Odegaard, 5’) ⚽️
14:05 , Jack Rathborn
5 mins: What a start to the game! Arsenal have taken the lead! Since the disallowed Watford goal, the Gunners have took control of the ball. It’s worked over to the right wing where Bukayo Saka passes it into the inside right channel for Martin Odegaard. On the turn he backheels the ball around Hassane Kamara and plays Saka in behind the left-back allowing him to carry the ball into the penalty area. Saka then cuts it back to Odegaard who slots a fine left-footed finish into the far bottom corner!
Watford 0 - 0 Arsenal
14:03 , Jack Rathborn
Kick off: Disallowed goal! 17 seconds after Watford kick off the game they get the ball into the back of the Arsenal net. The ball is played down the left wing and gets headed into the path of Joao Pedro. He slips a through ball into the box that Emmanuel Dennis latches onto after a run in behind. He opens up the far side of the goal, shoots and scores only to see the offside flag go up on the far side of the pitch!
Watford vs Arsenal
13:58 , Michael Jones
Here come the teams. Arsenal could end the day in the top four if they defeat Watford away from home this afternoon. The Hornets managed a draw against Manchester United last time, can they emulate that performance today and take points away from the Gunners as well?
Kick off is next.
Watford vs Arsenal
13:53 , Michael Jones
No player has scored in more Premier League defeats this season than Watford’s Emmanuel Dennis, with the Hornets losing four times when he has found the net however, they have only scored twice in their six games under Roy Hodgson.
Although, Watford have earned four points against Arsenal in the Premier League in their last three home games against them with one win, one draw and one defeat during that run.
Watford vs Arsenal
13:49 , Michael Jones
Emile Smith Rowe is Arsenal’s top scorer in the Premier League this season with nine goals. He could have become just the second Arsenal player aged 21 or under to reach double figures in a Premier League season, emulating Nicolas Anelka in 1998-99 but missing the game through injury.
Man City vs Man Utd: Cristiano Ronaldo ‘not a big loss’ for Manchester United in derby, claims Gary Neville
13:42 , Michael Jones
Gary Neville maintains Cristiano Ronaldo would not be a “big loss” for Manchester United if he misses the derby against Manchester City.
Speculation has suggested the Portuguese will miss the match at the Etihad Stadium through injury.
But Neville insists the 37-year-old’s profile and the style of play United will likely play against Pep Guardiola’s champions could mean his absence is not a significant blow to their chances.
Cristiano Ronaldo not a ‘big loss’ for Man United in derby, claims Gary Neville
Watford vs Arsenal
13:40 , Michael Jones
Arsenal won just two of their opening eight away league fixtures this season - one draw, five defeats - but have won their subsequent three matches on the road.
Mikel Arteta’s men have opened the scoring in each of their last five Premier League away games and they have taken 22 points from a possible 27 since back-to-back defeats at Manchester United and Everton at the start of December.
Watford vs Arsenal
13:38 , Michael Jones
Watford have won one of their last 15 league and cup matches with three draws and 11 defeats.
They have lost their previous seven Premier League games at Vicarage Road and 10 of 13 overall this season - an 11th defeat would equal a club record.
But, the Hornets have kept three clean sheets in their six top-flight matches under Roy Hodgson, as many as they had in their previous 38 in the division under four different managers.
Man City vs Man Utd: ‘I know my opinion’: Ralf Rangnick on Manchester United’s search for new manager
13:35 , Michael Jones
Manchester United’s interim manager Ralf Rangnick says he has his “opinion” on who should become the club’s permanent manager.
Rangnick took charge of the club in November after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked. United’s football director John Murtough has said a thorough process is underway to find a permanent replacement for Solskjaer so the club can start winning trophies again.
However, Rangnick hasn’t been consulted on who should get the job.
“So far, we’ve not spoken about that,” he told Sky Sports News. “Not with John Murtough or anyone else, we’ve not spoken about this topic over the last weeks and months since I’ve been here.
“I know my opinion but so far we’ve not spoken about that so it’s all I can tell you.”
Ralf Rangnick gives update on Man United search for new manager
Watford vs Arsenal: Roy Hodgson determined to ‘break the cycle’ and stop the rot at Watford
13:30 , Michael Jones
Roy Hodgson admitted Watford need to “break the cycle” of their current run of disappointing results ahead of the visit of Arsenal on Sunday.
Watford have picked up just five points from six games following Hodgson’s appointment as Claudio Ranieri’s successor in January, including three clean sheets.
However, that run has included just one victory, Watford’s first since the memorable 4-1 win over Manchester United in November which proved to be Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s last match in charge, and the Hornets are three points from safety.
Roy Hodgson determined to ‘break the cycle’ and stop the rot at Watford
Watford vs Arsenal: Hodgson hoping to emulate Villa and Man Utd results
13:28 , Michael Jones
Watford manager Roy Hodgson hopes that his team performs to the levels that saw them defeat Aston Villa away from home and draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford when they welcome Arsenal to Vicarage Road today.
He says it will be a “big challenge” to take points off the Gunners but with the right attitude Watford can claim a positive result this afternoon. Hodgson said:
It’s a very big challenge, in the same way that Aston Villa was and Manchester United was. We came out on the right side of those games in terms of our performances and getting something from the game, so we have to take the same attitude into this game.
“We know Arsenal are a very strong team and happen to be an in-form team, they are gelling very well and producing the sort of football that gets results.
“We have to be prepared for whatever they throw at us and have to hope our performance will enable us to come away with a similar good feeling about ourselves as the Aston Villa and Manchester United games.”
Watford vs Arsenal: Arteta on Roy Hodgson and Watford
13:24 , Michael Jones
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta spoke what he is expecting from Watford today and how Hornets boss, Roy Hodgson, has had a positive impact since taking over at Vicarage Road saying:
Roy is extremely good at doing that and getting the team in the same mindset and working really hard, and making the team really compact and hard to beat, that’s for sure. The quality he has, he has more experience than anyone in this league to do that, how to mould the team, how to take the team where he wants and he is exceptional on that.
“[Watford are] very solid, very organised, very clear in how they want to approach the match and what they want to take from the match.
“We have to obviously do what we have planned and take the game in a completely different direction and that will be the challenge.
“It’s a great stadium with a great atmosphere, everything is tight and you know what you’re going to experience there.”
Watford vs Arsenal: Head-to-head
13:20 , Michael Jones
Watford have earned seven points from a possible 45 available against Arsenal in the Premier League - with two wins, one draw and 12 defeats - though they have only lost one of their last three home matches versus the Gunners.
Arsenal have scored in all 15 of their Premier League games against Watford - the only team they have a better record against is West Brom, scoring in all 26 meetings.
The Gunners have scored the first goal in 14 of their 15 Premier League meetings with Watford, with the exception being a 2-1 defeat at the Emirates Stadium in January 2017.
Watford vs Arsenal: Arsenal and Watford looking to forge working relationship
13:17 , Michael Jones
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has revealed technical director Edu is aiming to forge a working relationship with Watford.
The clubs are training-ground neighbours, both based in London Colney where Arteta’s side have their own facility next to the home of the Hornets, which was previously occupied by Arsenal.
The proximity of the bases would mean close ties would be easily made, with Arteta himself having trained over the hedge from Watford’s squad during his playing days with the Gunners.
Mikel Arteta: Arsenal and Watford looking to forge working relationship
Man City vs Man Utd: Injuries and absentees
13:14 , Michael Jones
Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake were both taken off against Peterborough in Manchester City’s FA Cup midweek win. Dias is expected to be out for up to six weeks with a leg injury and Ake has a minor knock. Cole Palmer will miss out too.
Manchester United’s Scott McTominay returned to training on Wednesday and should be included in the matchday squad but Edinson Cavani has a groin problem and Cristiano Ronaldo has a rumoured injury and may not feature.
Watford vs Arsenal: Team changes
13:07 , Michael Jones
Roy Hodgson makes three changes to the Watford side that drew nil-nil with Manchester United last time out. Ismaila Sarr, Josh King and Jeremy Ngakia drop out with Cucho Hernandez, Joao Pedro, and Kiko Femenia all returning to the starting XI.
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are unchanged from the team that defeated Wolves 2-1 in their last league game.
Watford vs Arsenal: Line-ups
13:02 , Michael Jones
Watford XI: Foster, Femenia, Cathcart, Samir, Kamara, Sissoko, Louza, Cleverly, Hernandez, Dennis, Joao Pedro
🚨 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 🚨
Here's how the Hornets line up for this afternoon's match against Arsenal!#WATARS pic.twitter.com/Sg7sbsl4Cx— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) March 6, 2022
Arsenal XI: Ramsdale, Cedric, White, Gabriel, Tierney, Partey, Xhaka, Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli, Lacazette
📋 Team news from Vicarage Road...
We're unchanged from Thursday's win over Wolves ✅
COME ON YOU GUNNERS! #WATARS— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 6, 2022
Watford vs Arsenal: Team news
13:00 , Jack Rathborn
Watford XI: Foster, Femenia, Cathcart, Samir, Kamara, Cleverley, Louza, Sissoko, Dennis, Pedro, Hernandez.
Arsenal XI: Ramsdale, Cedric, Gabriel, White, Tierney, Partey, Xhaka, Odegaard, Saka, Martinelli, Lacazette
Watford vs Arsenal: Premier League standings
12:55 , Michael Jones
Watford come into the game 19th in the Premier League and three points away from safety. Roy Hodgson’s men will take positives from their nil-nil draw with Manchester United last weekend and hope to repeat that performance against Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal today.
The Gunners can end the day inside the top if the claim three points against Watford and Manchester City defeat Manchester United in the derby later on. Arsenal have three games in hand on fourth placed Man Utd and well set to push ahead in the battle for the Champions League spots.
Watford vs Arsenal: Recent results
12:47 , Michael Jones
Watford have four points from their last three games after defeating Aston Villa 1-0 away from home back in February and holding Manchester United to a goalless draw at Old Trafford last weekend. Their only blip during this run was a 4-1 defeat at Vicarage Road to Crystal Palace and Roy Hodgson will hope to respond with a strong performance against Arsenal today.
The Gunners are in good form. They have won their last three consecutive league games since a goalless draw against Burnley at the end of January. That run has put them on the verge of breaking into the top four and Mikel Arteta will want to bring that momentum into today’s clash at Vicarage Road.
Man City vs Man Utd: Ronaldo to miss Manchester derby
12:41 , Michael Jones
Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly been ruled out of Sunday’s Manchester derby through injury with Edinson Cavani is also out of the match-day squad for the game at the Etihad Stadium.
That leaves interim United manager Ralf Rangnick with only Marcus Rashford as a recognised centre-forward, with attacking midfielder Bruno Fernandes also an option as false nine.
Ronaldo is Manchester United’s top scorer this season with 15 goals in 30 appearances in all competitions although the 37-year-old has only scored one of those goals in 2022 - a shot from distance in the 2-0 home win over Brighton & Hove Albion on February 15.
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website
