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Declan Rice has his first big moment in an Arsenal shirt, and their season may have lift-off. His 96th-minute goal to give Mikel Arteta’s side a late 3-1 win over Manchester United was all the more uplifting for the home crowd and all the better for him because neither he nor the home side had been at their best. It was an erratic game. None of that will now matter, as everything about their performance will feel so much better. Gabriel Jesus’s late breakaway strike to make it 3-1 made it look even better on paper. It also genuinely matters in the table, even as early as the 3rd of September. Had United hung on for the draw here, Arsenal would have found themselves four points behind Manchester City already, something that didn’t happen until May last season. That could have been it, even now. You could feel that weighing over the game in Arsenal’s raucous celebration, and how Arteta so vigorously enjoyed it. There was more here than beating a historic rival, even this late. There was also much more to Arsenal than United. They are so much further along in development, even allowing for injuries, although these also framed the game. Even Rice’s crucial goal came because United’s massed defence started to come apart for the first time. Whereas the match had been characterised by Arsenal barely having any space to move in the United box, late fatigue amid an injury crisis left Rice with five yards of space and the chance to collect himself after a heavy-chested ball. He did more than that, firing the ball through substitute Jonny Evans for a deflection to also take it past Andre Onana. It was all the more galling for United given that they’d gone from the relish of celebrating a late breakaway goal for Alejandro Garnacho, ruled out by the thinnest of margins, to the complete opposite emotion. There was even the irony of Jesus’ final late touch coming from the kind of counter United had been using as their only source of attack all game. Arsenal had the idea and the ball. United could only work around that, a side that still represent so much of a compromise to what Ten Hag wants. Arteta has this so much closer to what he wants from his own team, even if elements emphasised they are not there yet. They still cough up so many counter-attacks and chances. It did contribute to a strange match – you couldn’t take your eyes off but it wasn’t always pretty to watch. For a long time, the two earlier goals felt like an aberration in an otherwise erratic game, all the more so because they came in such quick succession. There were just minutes between the balls hitting either net but a mere 35 seconds in actual play. That feeling was all the more pronounced for the Rashford goal given it came out of nothing. It was not just their first shot of the game but their first attack of any note. The move did admittedly come from something that set the pattern of the game. Arsenal were completely imposing their game on United, but it meant there were often at least 10 players around Onana’s box. That made it very difficult for Arteta’s side to play through, all the more so when Kai Havertz totally mis-hit the best chance of the match. It was almost comic but represented a contradiction in the German’s game. He can go from a Dennis Bergkamp touch one moment to looking like he doesn’t know how to control a ball or even where to position himself. The United goal did come after a misstep from a player who has been much more reliable for Arsenal. With his side trying to rebuild an attack, Gabriel Martinelli played a ball straight to Christian Eriksen. The Dane suddenly had the space of the Arsenal half to play the ball into, a contrast from the other end which allowed the opportunity. Eriksen, of course, used that superbly. The through ball to Rashford was divine, exploiting a slight misstep from Ben White. Rashford then took it on superbly, both in terms of the aesthetic fluency of the move and his next touch. The forward cut inside to drive the cleanest strike in high off the post. The irony is that it was the bit of spark Arsenal needed. They had been the better team without actually looking that good themselves. What followed was pure quality. For one of the few times in the game, Arsenal worked their way around the massed defence with an exquisitely exact passing move, the extra focus no doubt elevating them. United didn’t even have time to know where to go. Odegaard knew exactly where he was putting it from Martinelli’s pass, powering the ball into the corner. This was to be the game now: Arsenal forced into more elaborate build-ups as United looked to break at pace. The numbers almost aided Arteta’s side again as Havertz got caught between Casemiro and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. He went down, but there was no contact, and a penalty was overruled by VAR. That did gradually evolve into an absorbing final spell, especially when Rasmus Hojlund came on for his United debut. They looked like they felt the benefit of having a reference, even if Arsenal’s greater development as a team meant that they still had much more of the ball. Bukayo Saka, who wasn’t at his best due to heavy attention from the United backline, should have had the ball in the net late on. Onana did superbly to deflect an effort from right in front of him, another rare moment which Arsenal worked through. It was the warning. United were tiring. Ten Hag tried to address it with subs. That initially seemed to work with Garnacho. But he’d gone that bit too early. It allowed Arsenal to claim it late, and ensure the title race doesn’t get away from them this early either. It might seem harsh to fixate on that so early in the campaign and with a finish like this. Arteta, more than anyone, will no doubt emphasise that these are the stakes. Rice has maybe now risen to them. Read More Late addition of an early target may have saved Man United’s transfer window Mikel Arteta hails Eddie Nketiah’s fight to play for England after first call-up Premier League summer spending exceeds £2bn for the first time Erik ten Hag frustrated by decisions in Manchester United’s defeat at Arsenal Arsenal vs Man Utd LIVE: Premier League result and reaction Erik ten Hag tips Rasmus Hojlund to have ‘very good impact’ at Manchester United

Arsenal host Manchester United this afternoon in the big match of the Premier League weekend. The Gunners are unbeaten after three matches and are aiming to jump up the table and keep the pressure on league leaders Manchester City. Mikel Arteta’s summer signings, Kai Havertz and Declan Rice, are still adapting to playing in this new team with the manager trying to implement a more offensive-minded approach without sacrificing defensive balance. So far, Arsenal have had mixed results and they may need to fall back onto last season’s gameplans when facing Manchester United today. For their part, United have had an indifferent start to the season. Two scratchy wins and a defeat to Spurs leave them just inside the top half of the table but they were busy on transfer deadline day with both incomings and outgoings. Erik ten Hag’s need to improve quickly, particularly in these bigger fixtures, so the added reinforcements of Sofyan Amrabat, Jonny Evans and Sergio Reguilon could prove key to their success this term. Follow all the action from the Emirates Stadium, get all the latest football odds and the latest offers and tips ahead of Arsenal against Man Utd right here: Read More Erik ten Hag tips Rasmus Hojlund to have ‘very good impact’ at Manchester United Mikel Arteta hails Eddie Nketiah’s fight to play for England after first call-up Late addition of an early target may have saved Man United’s transfer window

Arsenal host Manchester United on Sunday in the big match of the Premier League weekend, with the Gunners still unbeaten after three matches this term and aiming to go one better after finishing runners-up last term. While summer signings Kai Havertz and Declan Rice are still finding their feet somewhat in the team, Mikel Arteta is trying to make the team more offensive-minded without sacrificing defensive balance. Jurrien Timber, however, is already out for the campaign with a knee injury. LIVE! Follow coverage of Arsenal vs Man Utd with our blog Man United were busy on transfer deadline day with both incomings and outgoings, but with Erik ten Hag’s team being underwhelming - to put it kindly - with their performances so far, an improvement is needed quickly, particularly in these bigger fixtures. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the match; get all the latest football odds here and the latest offers and tips ahead of Arsenal against Man United here. When is Arsenal vs Manchester United? The Gunners host the Red Devils at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday 3 September with kick-off set for 4:30pm BST. Where can I watch it? This match will be shown live on Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Sports Main Event and Ultra HD. It will be streamed for subscribers live on the Sky Go app. If you’re not a Sky customer you can grab a NOWTV Day Pass here to watch without a subscription. We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. What is the team news? Arsenal are without long-term absentee Jurrien Timber after he suffered an early season injury. Eddie Nketiah might also miss out, despite his first England call-up, but Gabriel Jesus is on the comeback trail. Takehiro Tomiyasu is back from suspension. Man United are missing new signing Mason Mount, left-back Luke Shaw and central defender Raphael Varane. Striker Rasmus Hojlund could be fit enough to make his debut, possibly from the bench. Deadline day additions Sergio Reguilon and Altay Bayindir will perhaps have to wait for involvement from the start, but Sofyan Amrabat might be put straight in. Predicted line-ups Arsenal XI: Ramsdale, Partey, White, Saliba, Tomiyasu, Rice, Odegaard, Havertz, Saka, Jesus, Martinelli Manchester United: Onana, Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Martinez, Dalot, Casemiro, Amrabat, Fernandes, Antony, Rashford, Martial Odds and tips Arsenal 3/4 Draw 14/5 United 7/2 Latest odds here. Prediction The Gunners to just about see off their rivals thanks to greater firepower in the final third. Arsenal 2-1 Man United. Read More Arsenal vs Man Utd LIVE: Latest Premier League updates Erik ten Hag tips Rasmus Hojlund to have ‘very good impact’ at Manchester United Mikel Arteta hails Eddie Nketiah’s fight to play for England after first call-up Steve Cooper: Forest were spurred on at Chelsea by Old Trafford frustration Premier League summer spending exceeds £2bn for the first time Deadline deals and Ricky Gervais plays hide-and-seek – Friday’s sporting social

The 2023/24 Premier League season is under way and you can follow every game and every goal right here with The Independent. This year sees Manchester City try to defend their crown and claim a historic fourth title in succession. Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering City, who also won the Champions League and FA Cup last season, will have to see off Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and the rest to claim an unprecedented sixth league title in seven years. Meanwhile Luton Town are making their first appearance in the Premier League, having risen from non-league in an incredible decade of progress. They followed Championship winners Burnley and second-placed Sheffield United in earning promotion to the top flight. Follow the latest action from the Premier League below.

Both Liverpool and Aston Villa had a busy summer on the whole, with Jurgen Klopp and Unai Emery both making significant additions to their squads during the transfer window. The last of those arrived at Anfield on deadline day as Ryan Gravenberch signed from Bayern Munich, completing an overhaul this summer following exits of Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and James Milner, among others. The Reds have started the season with two wins and a draw, with a very late turnaround at Newcastle last time out coming courtesy of two Darwin Nunez goals off the bench. Meanwhile for Villa, the signing of Moussa Diaby adds some real star quality to their attacking ranks, while defeat to Newcastle at the start of the season has been followed up by wins over Everton and Burnley. The two clubs clash at Anfield ahead of the international break both harbouring ambitions to perform notably better than last term. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the match; get the latest football and Premier League odds this weekend here. When is Liverpool vs Aston Villa? The Reds face the Villians at Anfield on Sunday 3 September, with the match set for a 2pm BST kick-off. Is the match being shown live on TV? This game isn’t set for live broadcast in the UK with any TV channel or live stream service. The fixture was not one selected for TV viewers by Sky or TNT and has only had the match kick-off day switched due to Aston Villa’s midweek involvement in their Europa League qualifier, as they beat Hibs to seal their place in the group stage – where Liverpool will also play this season. Both teams found out their opponents in the group stage draw. Team news Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk is suspended after being sent off against Newcastle. Thiago Alcantara had a setback so remains out injured, while Ibou Konate is also sidelined until after the international break. Curtis Jones is back in training but probably won’t feature much yet. It leaves Jurgen Klopp likely turning to Joe Gomez and Joel Matip at centre-back, though the latter also had a fitness issue last week. Darwin Nunez will hope to displace Cody Gakpo up front after his match-winning brace in the previous match. Villa have a long list of long-term injury worries, including Emi Buendia, Tyrone Mings and Alex Moreno. Leander Dendoncker, Jacob Ramsey and goalkeeper Emi Martinez have also been injured, though the latter may make it back for this match. Emery has usually fielded a narrow 4-4-2 system but switched to a back three for the win at Burnley and could stay that way here. Confirmed line-ups Liverpool XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Gomez, Robertson, Jones, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Salah, Nunez, Diaz Aston Villa XI: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Carlos, Torres, Digne, Kamara, Luiz, McGinn, Diaby, Watkins Odds Liverpool 8/13 Draw 16/5 Villa 7/2 Prediction An end-to-end game of attack which the hosts end up winning through greater brute force and options. Liverpool 3-2 Aston Villa. Read More Liverpool determined to reject new Salah bids from Saudi side Al-Ittihad New signing Ryan Gravenberch says Liverpool one of ‘biggest clubs in the world’ Liverpool finally seal Ryan Gravenberch deal to complete midfield overhaul Deadline deals and Ricky Gervais plays hide-and-seek – Friday’s sporting social Liverpool reinvented as midfield shuffle hints at Jurgen Klopp’s past When does Saudi Pro League transfer window close?

Chris Eubank Jr gained revenge against Liam Smith on Saturday, stopping his rival as the Britons returned to the scene of their first clash. Smith dropped Eubank Jr twice at Manchester’s AO Arena in January before the referee waved off the middleweight bout, but the boxers’ roles were reversed on Saturday. In the same building, it was Eubank Jr who dropped Smith twice before securing a TKO in the 10th round. Eubank Jr, 33, looked the slicker fighter all night, switching targets between the head and body while picking his shots wisely. Meanwhile, 35-year-old Smith looked languid and was watching rounds slip away from the first bell. The first knockdown came in the fourth round – the frame in which their first fight ended – as Smith was dropped to a knee and smartly spat out his mouthguard to buy time. In fact, he bought more than he might have imagined, briefly quelling Eubank Jr’s momentum. When the action resumed, Eubank Jr sought a finish but – as it eluded him – he elected patience as the bout wore on. In the 10th round, however, he put down Smith again with a left hook after a fast start to the round. Smith let out a deep breath as he rose to beat the referee’s count, with blood trickling from a cut above his right eye. The Liverpudlian was only delaying the inevitable, however, as Eubank Jr backed him up to the ropes and unloaded shots, overwhelming Smith. Eventually, referee Kevin Parker stepped in to wave off the fight, sealing Eubank Jr’s redemption. “It had to be [revenge], I had no other choice,” Eubank Jr said in the ring, after shaking hands with Smith, who applauded the Brighton-born fighter. “There are too many other big fights out there for me that the fans wanna see me in – and that I wanna be involved in. “Liam is a warrior, I respect him and his whole team, his family – his brothers. He fought until the last second. Big up to Liam and his team. “What happened tonight was supposed to happen in January, but it wasn’t my night. “I’m not a bad guy. I know I got booed when I came in here, there’s a few cheers now – which I appreciate. I’m turning a few people around.” Eubank Jr also called out the retired Kell Brook, who was sat at ringside, and Conor Benn, whom he was due to box last October before Benn’s failed drug tests were revealed. Eubank Jr also named Gennady Golovkin as a desired opponent. Meanwhile, Smith suggested that he had rolled his ankle early in the fight, which marked Eubank Jr’s first outing under Brian “BoMac” McIntyre, who also coaches Terence Crawford. Click here to subscribe to The Independent’s Sport YouTube channel for all the latest sports videos. Read More Finally, Ricky Hatton has his happy ending Errol Spence Jr triggers Terence Crawford rematch clause in bid for redemption The Independent’s pound-for-pound boxing rankings Eubank vs Smith LIVE: Results from rematch after late TKO Chris Eubank Jr and Liam Smith in heated debate over decisive factor in rematch Eddie Nketiah wins England call-up – Thursday’s sporting social

Chris Eubank Jr gained revenge against Liam Smith on Saturday, stopping his rival as the Britons returned to the scene of their first clash. Smith dropped Eubank Jr twice at Manchester’s AO Arena in January before the referee waved off the middleweight bout, but the boxers’ roles were reversed on Saturday. In the same building, it was Eubank Jr who dropped Smith twice before securing a TKO in the 10th round. Eubank Jr, 33, looked the slicker fighter all night, switching targets between the head and body while picking his shots wisely. Meanwhile, 35-year-old Smith looked languid and was watching rounds slip away from the first bell. The first knockdown came in the fourth round – the frame in which their first fight ended – as Smith was dropped to a knee and smartly spat out his mouthguard to buy time. In fact, he bought more than he might have imagined, briefly quelling Eubank Jr’s momentum. When the action resumed, Eubank Jr sought a finish but – as it eluded him – he elected patience as the bout wore on. In the 10th round, however, he put down Smith again with a left hook after a fast start to the round. Smith let out a deep breath as he rose to beat the referee’s count, with blood trickling from a cut above his right eye. The Liverpudlian was only delaying the inevitable, however, as Eubank Jr backed him up to the ropes and unloaded shots, overwhelming Smith. Eventually, referee Kevin Parker stepped in to wave off the fight, sealing Eubank Jr’s redemption. Re-live updates and see all results below. We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Read More Chris Eubank Jr banishes demons by stopping Liam Smith to cap off slick showing Errol Spence Jr triggers Terence Crawford rematch clause in bid for redemption The Independent’s pound-for-pound boxing rankings

The 2023/24 Premier League season is under way and you can follow every game and every goal right here with The Independent. This year sees Manchester City try to defend their crown and claim a historic fourth title in succession. Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering City, who also won the Champions League and FA Cup last season, will have to see off Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and the rest to claim an unprecedented sixth league title in seven years. Meanwhile Luton Town are making their first appearance in the Premier League, having risen from non-league in an incredible decade of progress. They followed Championship winners Burnley and second-placed Sheffield United in earning promotion to the top flight. Follow the latest action from the Premier League below. Get all the latest live football odds here.

The 2023/24 Premier League season is under way and you can follow every game and every goal right here with The Independent. This year sees Manchester City try to defend their crown and claim a historic fourth title in succession. Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering City, who also won the Champions League and FA Cup last season, will have to see off Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and the rest to claim an unprecedented sixth league title in seven years. Meanwhile Luton Town are making their first appearance in the Premier League, having risen from non-league in an incredible decade of progress. They followed Championship winners Burnley and second-placed Sheffield United in earning promotion to the top flight. Follow the latest action from the Premier League below. Get all the latest live football odds here.

The 2023/24 Premier League season is under way and you can follow every game and every goal right here with The Independent. This year sees Manchester City try to defend their crown and claim a historic fourth title in succession. Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering City, who also won the Champions League and FA Cup last season, will have to see off Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and the rest to claim an unprecedented sixth league title in seven years. Meanwhile Luton Town are making their first appearance in the Premier League, having risen from non-league in an incredible decade of progress. They followed Championship winners Burnley and second-placed Sheffield United in earning promotion to the top flight. Follow the latest action from the Premier League below. Get all the latest live football odds here.

The 2023/24 Premier League season is under way and you can follow every game and every goal right here with The Independent. This year sees Manchester City try to defend their crown and claim a historic fourth title in succession. Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering City, who also won the Champions League and FA Cup last season, will have to see off Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and the rest to claim an unprecedented sixth league title in seven years. Meanwhile Luton Town are making their first appearance in the Premier League, having risen from non-league in an incredible decade of progress. They followed Championship winners Burnley and second-placed Sheffield United in earning promotion to the top flight. Follow the latest action from the Premier League below. Get all the latest live football odds here.

The 2023/24 Premier League season is under way and you can follow every game and every goal right here with The Independent. This year sees Manchester City try to defend their crown and claim a historic fourth title in succession. Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering City, who also won the Champions League and FA Cup last season, will have to see off Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and the rest to claim an unprecedented sixth league title in seven years. Meanwhile Luton Town are making their first appearance in the Premier League, having risen from non-league in an incredible decade of progress. They followed Championship winners Burnley and second-placed Sheffield United in earning promotion to the top flight. Follow the latest action from the Premier League below.