sport news Arsenal may have burst Man United's title dream but Ten Hag's side is edging ... trends now

Two late goals, three points dropped, one bubble burst. It was quite a sobering week for Manchester United in the wake of their momentous win in the Old Trafford derby.

Four days after conceding an injury-time equaliser to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, United lost to Eddie Nketiah's 90th-minute winner in a belting game at the Emirates on Sunday.

The mood of optimism that peaked when United roared back to beat Manchester City a week earlier has certainly dipped as a result of the setbacks in north and south London.

Erik ten Hag has been cautious discussing a title challenge, and he will feel that those reservations were justified. United lie 11 points behind Arsenal having played a game more. Given that the Gunners only dropped seven points in the first half of the season, it is asking a lot of United now.

Top-four was the primary target for Ten Hag, and in that sense nothing has changed. The Dutchman will switch his focus to three successive domestic cup ties, starting with the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final at Nottingham Forest on Wednesday night.

The title always felt beyond Ten Hag so soon after taking over at Old Trafford, but a trophy would be tangible proof of the progress he is making. United also face a Europa League playoff with Barcelona next month, so there is no shortage of opportunity.

Mikel Arteta lifted the FA Cup in his first season in charge at the Emirates, and although he has endured some turbulent moments since then, United appear to be on a similar path to Arsenal as they work their way back to the pinnacle of English football. 

There was certainly a hint of nostalgia in the air on Sunday. No two clubs are the same, of course, but there are similarities in the way Arteta has transformed Arsenal and the manner in which Ten

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