Arsenal’s ugly win came on an ugly day but it has set the stage perfectly for the final day of the season.
They have asked Manchester City the question. It is one they have answered successfully so often in the past but all Arsenal could do was put it in front of them and, in this context, it was mission accomplished.
It all came on a ground where they have suffered in the past, with only two wins in their past 17 visits, and even when not at their best Arsenal were still able to expose the chasm that currently exists between themselves and United, a club that naturally regards itself as rivals.
The Gunners looked set for a stroll after Trossard’s strike but they could not quite see United off with a second goal, their threat only resurfacing late on as United keeper Andre Onana was finally forced into action.
Arsenal were nervy and unconvincing but they have now won 15 of their past 17 games in the face of the usual sustained Manchester City assault at this stage of the season, banishing the label of “chokers” that was attached to them when they slipped up late last season.