“Our history wasn’t very optimistic (here) but we found a way to win it and that says a lot how much the team wants it,” said Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.
“We want to knock that door and open that box of dreams to have in front of our the opportunity to win the Premier League.”
Arsenal host Everton on the final day next Sunday, while City entertain West Ham.
And Arsenal forward Kai Havertz said he will become the “biggest fan” of north London rivals Tottenham when they host Manchester City on Tuesday as the Gunners hope for a twist in the Premier League title race.
“I am going to be the biggest fan of Tottenham ever,” said Havertz. “Let’s hope for the best!”
Pep Guardiola’s men travel to a stadium where they have lost without scoring in each of the past four Premier League seasons – and Ange Postecoglou will be desperate for a Spurs win to help their case for qualification into European football next year.
Defeat further dented United’s chances of competing in Europe next season. Erik ten Hag’s men showed more spirit than in a dismal 4-0 defeat to Crystal Palace on Monday, but have now won just one of their last eight Premier League games.
United remain eighth in the table, three points adrift of both Newcastle, who they face on Wednesday, and Chelsea.
Arsenal have been in scintillating form in 2024 to remain in the race for their first league title in 20 years.
Arteta’s men have won 15 and drawn one of their 17 league games since the turn of the year.
But Arsenal were far from their flowing best as the expected onslaught of an injury-ravaged United never materialised under unusually stifling heat in England’s north-west.
The manner of defeat at Palace had increased the scrutiny on United boss Ten Hag.
The Dutchman’s options were again hamstrung by a lengthy list of absentees with captain Bruno Fernandes among those sidelined and a bench littered with youngsters.
“It’s like trying to swim with your hands tied behind your back,” said Ten Hag of United’s injury crisis.
“You see the fans are behind us. They fought with us. Today we gave them (something) back but that should be the standard in every game.
“You see even when we miss seven starting players we are competitive with one of the best teams in the league.”
However, Ten Hag’s decision to retain Casemiro as a makeshift centre-back after his woeful showing against Palace will become another stick with which to beat the beleaguered coach.
After United had managed to keep the free-scoring visitors at bay for the opening 20 minutes, Casemiro was culpable for the goal.
The 32-year-old was laboured in pushing up from a United goal-kick to play Kai Havertz onside and Trossard then stole in on the blind side of Casemiro to tap in the German’s cross.
United’s new co-owner Jim Ratcliffe was in attendance at Old Trafford rather than at Wembley to see the club’s women pick up their first ever major trophy in the FA Cup final.
