Arsenal 2 - 1 Sheffield United: Finished | 2020-10-04 | Premier League

Goalkeepers	G	GC	SAV
Bernd Leno	0	1	1

Forwards	S	FC	FW
Willian	0	0	0
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang	2	1	1
Eddie Nketiah 58'	1	0	0

Midfielders	G	S	FW
Mohamed Elneny	0	0	0
Bukayo Saka 87' 61'	1	1	4
Dani Ceballos 81'	0	0	1

Defenders	GA	FC	FW
Héctor Bellerín	2	0	0
Kieran Tierney	0	0	0
David Luiz	0	2	1
Gabriel Magalhães	0	0	0

Substitutes	G	S	FC	FW
Nicolas Pépé 58'(Eddie Nketiah) 64'	1	1	0	0
Granit Xhaka 81'(Dani Ceballos)	0	0	0	0
Ainsley Maitland-Niles 87'(Bukayo Saka)	0	0	0	0
Alexandre Lacazette	0	0	0	0
Joe Willock	0	0	0	0
Rob Holding	0	0	0	0
Rúnar Rúnarsson	0	0	-	-

Goalkeepers	G	GC	SAV
Aaron Ramsdale	0	2	3

Forwards	G	GA	S	FC	FW
David McGoldrick 84'	1	0	2	1	2
Oliver Burke 56'	0	0	0	1	0

Midfielders	GA	S	FC
George Baldock	1	0	2
Enda Stevens	0	0	0
John Lundstram	0	1	1
Sander Berge	0	0	1
Ben Osborn 63'	0	0	0

Defenders	FC	FW
Jack Robinson	0	0
John Egan	2	0
Chris Basham 76'	1	1

Substitutes	S	FC	FW
Oliver McBurnie 56'(Oliver Burke)	1	0	0
John Fleck 63'(Ben Osborn)	0	0	0
Billy Sharp 76'(Chris Basham)	0	0	0
Oliver Norwood	0	0	0
Max Lowe	0	0	0
Ethan Ampadu	0	0	0
Wes Foderingham	0	-	-

90'+5'

That is all from this Arsenal win. Thanks for joining us and, until next time, goodbye!

90'+5'

Arsenal go fourth heading into the international break, while Sheffield United fall below Burnley and are now second from bottom.

90'+5'

After a tight first half, a frantic spell early in the second put Arsenal in the driving seat. Saka and Pepe netted and Sheffield United ultimately could not recover, although McGoldrick's fine response set up a tense finish.

90'+5'

FULL-TIME: Arsenal 2-1 Sheffield United

90'+5'

Ramsdale is up again but cannot get to the set-piece and Arsenal clear!

90'+4'

Another chance for Sheffield United! They have a corner after McGoldrick's powerful drive is deflected wide...

90'+4'

Ramsdale goes forward for a long throw on the left and almost gets to the ball, failing to control as the ball bounces around the area.

90'+3'

McBurnie flicks the ball on and McGoldrick controls with men left and right and only two Arsenal defenders back. The pass left to Fleck is really poor, though. Sheffield United attack again down the left, but Gabriel gets to the ball in front of Lundstram as a cross is cut back.

90'+2'

Sheffield United have the ball but have not been able to create anything besides the goal. Lundstram goes for a speculative effort from 25 yards and is closer to hitting the corner flag.

90'+1'

There will be a minimum of four minutes of added time.

89'

Arsenal have a rare opportunity to counter and Aubameyang gets down the right, but he has nobody in support and a tame cross simply gives the ball back to Sheffield United.

88'

Lundstram switches to Stevens, who goes for goal from 20 yards but sees his shot blocked. The ball ends up back at the feet of the wing-back, but his cross drifts over McGoldrick.

87'

Saka, the scorer of the opener, makes way for Maitland-Niles, his new England team-mate.

86'

Now the Blades have the ball and Arsenal are pushed right back against the edge of their own area. Arteta will be desperate to see this game out. Stevens crosses, but there is a foul on David Luiz.

84'

That is McGoldrick's third Premier League goal after the two he netted against Chelsea in July. Sheffield United finally score with their 31st shot of the season.

84'

Baldock moves the ball inside to McGoldrick, but Arsenal look fairly comfortable until giving the forward just enough room to encourage the shot.

84'

GOOAAALLLL!!! MCGOLDRICK! Sheffield United pull it back to 2-1! This is the Blades' first goal of the season and might just set up a dramatic finish... McGoldrick has the ball on the edge of the box and, with little else on, shapes a wonderful left-footed effort into the bottom-left corner.

83'

Pepe works hard to go back with Baldock and block a cross, prompting a corner that again comes to nothing.

81'

Sheffield United's corner comes in from the left and Berge nods it down, but Arsenal clear in the scramble. And there is no second centre from deep.

81'

A strong Ceballos performance comes to an end as Xhaka is introduced.

80'

After a period when the ball is stuck in the midfield, Sharp gets down the left and smashes the ball behind via David Luiz for a corner.

78'

Save from Leno, but a comfortable one. McBurnie lets fly from 25 yards and gets plenty of power behind his strike yet sends it straight at the goalkeeper.

76'

Sheffield United are going for it! Basham makes way for Sharp. The service to the forward must improve, though.

76'

Arsenal smartly play through the Sheffield United press and are suddenly back on the attack. Tierney's cross is blocked, though.

74'

Now the Blades enjoy a spell of possession but without troubling the Arsenal defence. The Gunners see no need to take any risks at this stage.

72'

Arsenal are keeping the ball brilliantly right now. Sheffield United, who must score soon to stand any chance of a recovery, cannot get a kick.

70'

Ceballos steps in with an effortless tackle inside his own box and chips the ball on to Willian, whose header finds Aubameyang. There is nobody up in support, but Arsenal can keep the ball, having briefly been on the back foot in defence.

69'

It is Arsenal's turn to press Sheffield United now and the visitors look uncomfortable. The swift nature of the second surely gives them little hope of a fightback.

67'

Arsenal are in complete control now. It is another miserable outing for Sheffield United, even though they were good value for their parity until the opener.

66'

There were 19 passes in the build-up to Pepe's strike, the most before a goal in the Premier League so far this season.

65'

There were just 190 seconds between the goals as Pepe nets for Arsenal for the first time since another goal against Sheffield United in the FA Cup in June.

64'

It is another Bellerin assist, although he can claim a great deal less credit for this one. A simple pass back to Pepe left the winger still with an awful lot to do.

64'

GOOAAALLLL!!! PEPE! Wonderful goal! 2-0 Arsenal! What a spell! Pepe, not long off the bench, trades passes with Bellerin down the right and drives towards the box before placing a fine low finish beyond Ramsdale, clipping the post on its way in.

63'

The Blades react to going behind with a midfield change. Fleck is on for Osborn.

62'

Saka's fifth Arsenal goal is the first he has scored at Emirates Stadium. He becomes the youngest Englishman to net for the club at home in the Premier League since Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in February 2012 against Blackburn Rovers.

61'

Bellerin puts it on a plate for Saka with a clipped cross after the full-back is brilliantly played in by Aubameyang's flick around the corner. Elneny could cross, too, but Bellerin gets the ball just right.

61'

GOOAAALLLL!!! SAKA! That's more like it! 1-0 Arsenal! Saka, called up to the England squad this week, is unmarked at the back post to nod into the top-left corner after a brilliant, flowing move down the Arsenal right. Arteta fistpumps as the Gunners finally get their breakthrough!

60'

It is another slow start to the half. There have been no shots since half-time.

58'

Arsenal respond with a substitution of their own. Pepe is introduced in place of Nketiah, presumably allowing Aubameyang to move central.

56'

The first change of the game sees Sheffield United replace one Scotland striker with another. Burke heads off as McBurnie is introduced.

54'

Tierney has more freedom to get down the left in this formation - a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 - but his latest cross is straight into the arms of Ramsdale.

53'

Burke gets down the left as Sheffield United respond. Ceballos intercepts a cross but his heavy touch lets Lundstram nip in. The Blades midfielder might go down - and Burke appeals regardless - but stays on his feet in the area. His side build again, until Basham thrashes a poor cross behind.

52'

CLOSE! Great play! After a long, patient Arsenal move, Saka finds Ceballos on the left and the midfielder sweeps in a wonderful first-time pass. It is a low searching ball and Aubameyang lunges after it but just cannot get a touch. That is the first time Sheffield United have really been carved open.

49'

Arsenal are unhappy as Elneny goes down in a tussle with McGoldrick, who looks at his opponent before lifting his arm. No foul is given and Sheffield United break, but Arsenal manage to slow the attack and eventually win the ball back.

45'+2'

This is Arsenal's first Premier League match to be goalless at half-time since they played Brighton and Hove Albion in June, while Sheffield United have now scored just seven first-half goals in their past 23 top-flight games.

48'

After a low-key first half, it is more of the same at the start of the second. Arsenal will not be content with a point and must improve.

45'+2'

A very dull first half reaches its conclusion. Aubameyang has had the best effort, forcing Ramsdale into an excellent save, but the Arsenal captain hobbles off at the break. The hosts survived an early scare when David Luiz was caught in possession and his tug on Burke was not spotted.

45'+2'

HALF-TIME: Arsenal 0-0 Sheffield United

46'

KICK-OFF: Sheffield United get us back under way!

45'+1'

There will be a minimum of one minute of added time.

44'

Aubameyang goes for the spectacular, attempting an overhead kick from the left side of the area, but he does not make clean contact and Ramsdale saves easily.

43'

The Gunners look to mix things up, Gabriel playing a long ball towards Aubameyang behind the Sheffield United defence, but the forward's touch lets him down.

42'

Egan's header concedes a corner, but Elneny's delivery is too flat and Sheffield United can defend the set-piece comfortably. Arsenal are still struggling to cut Sheffield United open, threatening only following a Ramsdale error.

41'

Aubameyang hobbles back onto the field of play. Arsenal will hope their captain is fit to see out the match, with an international break to come.

39'

There is some concern for Aubameyang following that Berge challenge. He is still down, with his head in his hands, and receiving treatment.

38'

Not great from Berge. He lunges after the ball in midfield and catches Aubameyang's ankle. It is a booking for the Blades man.

37'

SAVE! Ramsdale atones for an error with a sublime save! His poor clearance is picked off and Ceballos finds Aubameyang who, from a fair distance, looks to find the top-right corner. His aim is true, but Ramsdale gets across to tip the ball over the crossbar. The corner comes to nothing.

36'

Sheffield United are launching long throws into the area at every opportunity, which is forcing Arsenal to hack clear, unable to play their usual passing game.

35'

Poor from McGoldrick. Elneny is stripped of possession on the Blades left, with McGoldrick then allowed to cut inside and get a shot off. He gets it all wrong, though, and the effort is blazed high into the stands. There still has not been a real chance of note.

34'

Osborn swings over a cross under Leno's crossbar. The goalkeeper chooses to punch and makes contact just before he is clattered by Egan, who concedes a foul.

33'

Arsenal often switch between systems mid-match but are very clearly now playing a back four. The shape ahead of that defence is a little less obvious, with Aubameyang still wide on the left but Saka pushed inside a little.

31'

Arsenal look to ramp up the pressure. Saka twists to get a shot off from the edge of the box but finds his route to goal blocked, the ball looping up kindly for Ramsdale once more.

29'

Nketiah's effort ended the longest wait for a shot in a Premier League match since December 2019 when Southampton versus Crystal Palace did not produce an attempt until the 35th minute.

28'

A first attempt! This never looks like finding the net, though, as Nketiah attempts a header from a high ball from close to the penalty spot. It drops tamely into Ramsdale's arms.

28'

Tierney delivers a teasing cross from the left, but the Blades again manage to clear well. A deeper cross is then dealt with by Stevens, before Basham follows suit, and Arsenal are soon forced to start again.

26'

Another slightly nervy moment for Arsenal in their own half. Gabriel's pass is poor and Osborn nips in, but the defender recovers well. Sheffield United continue to press hard when the Gunners are in their own territory.

24'

We have seen a lot of exciting games in the Premier League already this term but this, so far, is certainly not one of them. Arsenal are on top at the moment but without causing their visitors any major issues.

22'

There is yet to be a shot in this match, the longest wait for one in a Premier League match so far this season.

20'

Bellerin attempts to dribble between two defenders into the box and is diverted towards the byline but keeps possession. He tees up Willian, but a low cross is well held by Ramsdale.

19'

Sheffield United work the ball nicely down the left, with Osborn cutting a cross back to Burke, who looks to tee up Lundstram in the box. Ceballos crucially steps in.

17'

We are waiting on a first real chance, but this game is opening up. Burke cuts in from the left and looks for an intricate pass through to Lundstram. The ball bounces instead off Tierney's legs and runs for Leno.

16'

Arsenal are so good in transition when they can break through the press. Ceballos moves the ball left to Tierney and then Saka, but a Blades defender gets back to challenge.

15'

A period of Blades pressure ends with Burke nodding Robinson's long throw behind for a goal-kick. Again, though, this prompts a cat-and-mouse game in the Arsenal box as the home side attempt to pass their way to safety.

14'

Sheffield United set-pieces will be interesting today. They win another free-kick on the left and cause some concern in the centre before Saka clears. The Blades keep the pressure on, before Willian attempts to launch a counter up the right. Arsenal have already shown this season their ability to break.

12'

Good recovery from Basham! Ceballos is halted on the left, but Saka blocks the clearance. Bellerin feeds a pass back into the box, where Aubameyang briefly looks to work a yard for a shot with Basham grounded. The centre-back scrambles to win the ball back, however, and earns a foul.

11'

Arsenal stay patient in building their next attack, eventually getting Saka again into a crossing position as Nketiah stretches to move the ball on. The delivery is cleared, though.

9'

Saka wins a free-kick on the left, but Arsenal go short instead of putting the ball in the box and Ceballos' cross - from a far more awkward position - is easily dealt with.

8'

Arsenal are determined to play out from the back and twice get no further than the edge of their own box before Sheffield United force the ball out of play. Gabriel finally smashes clear to get his team up the pitch.

6'

Sheffield United build on that opening with a couple of set-pieces. David Luiz clears a free-kick, before a corner drops in a dangerous area. Berge is offside, however, as he attempts to nod goalwards.

5'

The Sheffield United are unhappy following the Burke incident as David Luiz looks to have tugged back the visiting striker. No foul is given. That might be a red card if the referee sees it differently.

4'

Burke almost gets in! David Luiz is unable to get the pass off and Burke nips in 40 yards out. Leno is a long, long way from his goal, though, and can clear. Burke would otherwise have a clear run on goal.

3'

The Gunners move down the left again. Saka overlaps and is found by Aubameyang, but there is a little shove in the back of the wing-back as he delivers and Sheffield United clear a low cross easily.

2'

Arsenal are quickly on the attack! David Luiz's pinpoint pass finds Aubameyang on the left, who in turn looks inside to Nketiah. An incisive ball finds the striker between two defenders, but he cannot bring the ball under control and is forced wide, unable to get a shot off as Ramsdale advances.

1'

KICK-OFF: Arsenal get us up and running!

-

Arsenal's most recent Premier League victory over Sheffield United came way back in September 2006. They are winless in their three top-flight meetings since (D1 L2), with their only goal in this run coming in the 1-1 home draw last season.

-

Lacazette scored at Liverpool but also missed a huge chance to rescue a point. He is one of four men to make way for Arsenal from that last league match as Gabriel, Ceballos, Saka and Nketiah come in. Sheffield United, who had a week off after losing at home to Leeds United, restore Egan to the team after his suspension in place of Chelsea loanee Ampadu.

-

Subs: Wes Foderingham, John Fleck, Oliver McBurnie, Billy Sharp, Max Lowe, Oliver Norwood, Ethan Ampadu.

-

Sheffield United (3-5-2): Aaron Ramsdale; Chris Basham, John Egan, Jack Robinson; George Baldock, John Lundstram, Sander Berge, Ben Osborn, Enda Stevens; David McGoldrick, Oliver Burke.

-

Subs: Runar Alex Runarsson, Alexandre Lacazette, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Rob Holding, Nicolas Pepe, Joe Willock, Granit Xhaka.

-

Arsenal (3-4-3): Bernd Leno; Gabriel, David Luiz, Kieran Tierney; Hector Bellerin, Mohamed Elneny, Dani Ceballos, Bukayo Saka; Willian, Eddie Nketiah, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

-

Let's get the team news from Emirates Stadium...

-

The Gunners come up against a Sheffield United side who have endured a difficult start to the season. The top flight's surprise package last term, the Blades are goalless, pointless and in the bottom three coming into this fixture.

-

It has been a mixed week for Arsenal, who visited Anfield twice. Mikel Arteta's men lost to Liverpool in the league on Monday but got their revenge after a penalty shoot-out in the EFL Cup on Thursday. They can move back into the top four with victory here.

-

Hello and welcome to our live text commentary of Arsenal versus Sheffield United in the Premier League!

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