Bruno Fernandes taking penalty over Cristiano Ronaldo ‘could cost Man United top four’ and Aaron Ramsdale ‘channels inner Martin Keown’ as Granit Xhaka screamer seals Arsenal win

Granit Xhaka was the hero and Bruno Fernandes the villain as Arsenal took a huge stride towards Champions League qualification with a dramatic 3-1 victory over Manchester United.

The Gunners leapfrog Tottenham into fourth and create a six-point gap to United - who have played a game more - as Xhaka's late screamer sealed a priceless victory and compounded the Red Devils' recent misery.

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Cristiano Ronaldo halved the deficit following an early opener from Nuno Tavares and a VAR-awarded penalty from Bukayo Saka, joining the Premier League's 100 club in the process.

And many felt the Portugal star should have had the opportunity to equalise, instead of Fernandes - who was standing in as captain for Harry Maguire.

With United trailing by one goal in the second-half, Fernandes stepped up to take a penalty and hit the post, with marvelbet369.commentator Dean Ashton saying what we were all thinking...

“You have to say: why is he taking it?" the ex-Premier League striker said. "Ronaldo is off the back of a hat-trick, he scored in the first-half, he’s full of confidence."

Ashton added at full-time: “You’ve got a confident record-breaking goalscorer on the pitch who has just scored and is playing well in the game, and Bruno wasn’t.

“To me, it’s a ridiculous decision and in the end it could cost them the top-four.”

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Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, fresh off the back of winding up Chelsea fans on Wednesday, ran up towards Fernandes and released an impassioned celebration.

It reminded marvelbet369.commentator Sam Matterface of a certain ex-Gunners star who infamously celebrated in front of Ruud van Nistelrooy following his miss from the spot in 2003.

He said: “Ramdale has channelled his inner Martin Keown by running up to Fernandes and celebrating.”

Before the match, interim United boss Ralf Rangnick was brutally honest about the task facing Erik ten Hag, who was announced as the club's next manager on Thursday.

And that was clear from the third minute as sloppy defending from Raphael Varane and Alex Telles allowed Tavares to tap-in when David de Gea saved Saka's initial effort.

Telles was again responsible as Arsenal were dramatically awarded a penalty against the run of play.

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Eddie Nketiah thought he'd scored, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside, but VAR also spotted a foul on Saka in the build-up, and the teenager converted the spot-kick just like he did in the 4-2 win at Chelsea on Wednesday.

Ronaldo, who was applauded by the home faithful following the death of his new-born son, pulled one back with a first-time volley from close range.

If Fernandes converted the penalty, it would've deservedly pulled United level on the balance of play, but instead they capitulated.

The Portugal midfielder was at fault once more, conceding possession to the Gunners, before Xhaka smashed home a thunderous effort from range with 20 minutes remaining.