Arsenal vs Manchester U: Man U Victory Will Put Pathetic Gunners in a Deep Hole

After what was a back-and-forth first half between the Gunners of Arsenal and Manchester United, United scored a late first-half goal, netted by Antonio Valencia, that put the team ahead 1-0 going into the break.

It is not only a goal that has decided the outcome of this contest in particular but one that undoubtedly has Arsenal looking to a sour end to the season.

In the team's previous six contests coming into the match against Manchester United, Arsenal has been a relatively inconsistent team that has failed to win matches where they are favored. Over the course of those six matches, Arsenal has lost three matches, all of which have come on the road against Manchester City, Fulham and, most recently, Swansea City.

As the current fifth-ranked team in the Premier League with 36 points, Arsenal is losing its grip on a spot in the top five.

After coming out strong to start the season, the Gunners sit five points behind fourth-ranked Chelsea and could drop to as low as seventh if Manchester United holds on and Liverpool and Newcastle can pull off wins in their next matches.

Scoring has been one of the major issues for this Arsenal team this season; they have failed to produce a consistent attack that produces many scoring opportunities in a match. The team has scored just one goal in three of its last four games, boasting a goal differential of plus-seven.

Outside of the 18 goals from Robin van Persie this season, there has been little-to-no production from other attackers on this Gunners squad.

With the Gunners continuing to struggle on the road and in the scoring department, expect Arsenal to continue to drop off in the Premier League standings. What was once a discussion of whether or not Arsenal had title chances has now become one of regarding whether or not this team can keep a spot in the top five.