Paul Merson insists Arsenal ‘will never have an easier game’ after 1-0 win over Man United… as Roy Keane claims the Gunners ‘couldn’t believe how bad’ Erik ten Hag’s side were

Paul Merson and Roy Keane slammed Manchester United’s performance as Erik ten Hag’s team fell to a 1-0 defeat against Arsenal.

After controlling the early portion of the game, Leandro Trossard fired the visitors in front from close range after 20 minutes.

Once again forced to start in the centre of defence amid United’s ongoing injury crisis, Casemiro failed to play Kai Havertz offside enabling the former Chelsea star to play in Trossard for what proved to be the winning goal.

Despite trailing by a single goal throughout the clash, United never looked like finding their way back into the contest and registered just two shots on target in another dismal display.

Speaking following the game, Merson claimed the fact that Arsenal comfortably triumphed despite being far from their free-flowing best was a damning indictment of United’s current form.

Leandro Trossard netted in a 1-0 win as the Gunners kept their title chase alive at Old Trafford

I thought they [Arsenal] played in second gear,’ Merson said on Sky Sports. ‘Very disappointed with Man United – I don’t think they done enough at all.’

‘Arsenal will never have an easier game than that, to be honest. It was too easy and they didn’t play well at all.

‘I didn’t really think they [Arsenal] controlled the game. Man Utd had enough of the ball around the box – if they had that final pass or Garnacho had got his head up a few times or picked the right pass but they ran out of ideas.

‘I thought they done a job and that’s what you’ve got to do at the end of the season. 

‘The goal difference will be irrelevant now. It’s a good win where Arsenal don’t usually win.’

The hosts enjoyed the bulk of possession following the restart, but struggled to fashion any clear cut chances as the Gunners were able to maintain their narrow lead.

United legend Keane lamented his former side’s lack of quality and insisted the defeat was a reflection of their lack of end product in the final third.

The hosts enjoyed a sustained spell of possession in the second half but were unable to fashion any significant chances

Keane lamented United’s lack of quality in the final third throughout Sunday’s clash

‘The disappointment for me in the last half an hour was United.’ Keane said.

‘Arsenal have come to Old Trafford over the years and found it difficult, but I bet Arsenal couldn’t believe how bad United were.

‘Whatever bits of possession they had, the end product and lack of quality – you talk about the great teams United had over the years, the players they’ve had. 

‘That last half an hour, decision-making, nobody digging anybody out, making mistakes, falling over, not putting demands on each other.

‘That United team there… they’re so bad.’

After appearing in contention for a Champions League place following a run of four-consecutive victories earlier this year, United now find themselves facing a first campaign without European football in nearly a decade.

Erik ten Hag’s side are on course for their worst-ever league finish in the Premier League era

Ten Hag’s side have won just two of their last eleven Premier League fixtures and could finish as low as ninth in the league with two games remaining.

Following Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s takeover at the club the Dutchman’s position has appeared increasingly tenuous of late, with the INEOS chief already implementing plans for a significant overhaul of the club’s backroom staff ahead of next season.

However, despite their faltering form, United could still clinch silverware if they are able to defeat their noisy neighbours at Wembley in the FA Cup final later this month.