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As it happenedended

Manchester United see off Cardiff to start Ole Gunnar Solskjaer era with a win

Latest reaction from the Premier League fixture at the Cardiff City Stadium

Harry Latham-Coyle
Saturday 22 December 2018 15:03 EST
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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's reign as Manchester United caretaker manager began with a convincing 5-1 win at former club Cardiff.

The 45-year-old took over earlier this week after Jose Mourinho was sacked on Tuesday following United's poor start to the Premier League season and saw his side stroll past the Bluebirds with plenty to spare.

The Cardiff City Stadium result is the first time United have scored five goals in the Premier League since Sir Alex Ferguson was in charge, and it keeps Solskjaer's side in sixth place.

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70 minutes

Jack Cork is in acres of space on the edge of the box and Arsenal are lucky that the midfielder's attempted placed finish is rather woeful, slicing well wide of the far post.

Harry Latham-Coyle22 December 2018 13:57

73 minutes

Still an air of hostility in this game, though Arsenal are doing well to try and calm things down and not get drawn into a real scrap.

Sean Dyche is in a very vocal mood on the touchline, trying to spur his players on to find a leveller.

Harry Latham-Coyle22 December 2018 14:01

77 minutes

A double Burnley change, with the cautioned forward pair of Chris Wood and Ashley Barnes removed.

A straight swap with Matej Vydra and Sam Vokes introduced.

Alexandre Lacazette looks frustrated as he, too, is substituted. Alex Iwobi is Arsenal's final alteration.

Harry Latham-Coyle22 December 2018 14:04

79 minutes

Granit Xhaka is fortunate after a poor giveaway nearly allows Matej Vydra to get away.

The Swiss midfielder-come-centre-half recovers and is adjudged to have been fouled by Vydra.

Harry Latham-Coyle22 December 2018 14:07

82 minutes

Concern for the health of Ainsley Maitland-Niles who appears to have picked up a knock. Arsenal are out of changes.

Burnley, however, are not, and Matt Lowton will therefore be brought on at right wing-back. Phil Bardsley is replaced.

Harry Latham-Coyle22 December 2018 14:10

85 minutes

Mesut Ozil is freed after some strong destroying play from Lucas Torreira.

Ozil tries to stand one up at the far post but Ben Mee wins the header above Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Harry Latham-Coyle22 December 2018 14:13

87 minutes

Sokratis pounces on a loose Burnley pass and strides over the hallway line.

Alex Iwobi is found by the Greek defender but fails to find a cross or shot from an inside left position.

The ball breaks for Sead Kolasinac and the Bosnian threads a low ball across just a couple of yards from goal, but the Arsenal attackers are withheld and thus unable to turn it home.

Harry Latham-Coyle22 December 2018 14:16

GOAL! Arsenal 3-1 Burnley (Alex Iwobi, 90 + 1 minutes)

That'll seal it!

It is a clever, weaving run by Mesut Ozil to move into the Burnley box, and though his eventual effort is rather weak, it deflects right to Alex Iwobi to beat Joe Hart and secure the Arsenal win.

Mind you, Iwobi looked to perhaps be offside as Ozil struck his shot. Nevertheless, it is 3-1 and Arsenal are getting back to winning ways.

Harry Latham-Coyle22 December 2018 14:18

90 + 4 minutes

We are deep into five minutes added time now, and both sides have accepted the final result.

Harry Latham-Coyle22 December 2018 14:21

And the full-time whistle blows at the Emirates Stadium. They had to battle, but in the end a 3-1 victory for Arsenal, two goals from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang helping to secure a solid home win.

Harry Latham-Coyle22 December 2018 14:23

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