Alejandro Garnacho’s 88th-minute goal was ruled out for offside by the video assistant referee in a chaotic finale to a largely scrappy game.

After eight added minutes, Declan Rice’s deflected shot gave Arsenal the lead before substitute Gabriel Jesus raced clear to seal the win.

Christian Eriksen’s outstanding pass played in Marcus Rashford, who cut inside and sent an unerring right-foot drive past Aaron Ramsdale in the 27th minute.

As soon as Martin Odegaard was given too much space, he sent an emphatic finish into the bottom corner to level the match for the Gunners, who had already spurned a golden chance when Kai Havertz miskicked.

Despite a lot of effort, Arsenal – who had a penalty overturned by VAR after referee Anthony Taylor originally ruled Havertz fouled – missed an outstanding late opportunity when Bukayo Saka shot straight into Andre Onana’s hands.

With two minutes left, Garnacho raced clear to score, but VAR ruled he was just offside, allowing Arsenal to deliver two devastating blows. The sound of Taylor’s final whistle swept around Emirates Stadium as sheer joy swept through Arsenal fans.

There was simply too much tension surrounding the hosts’ play for them to find the pace and fluency that made them such a winning proposition last season.

Havertz continues to look an expensive luxury item, his role in the Gunners set a mysterious one, but when it mattered Mikel Arteta’s side delivered a vital win when it seemed they would drop points for a second consecutive home match after being held by Fulham.

It looked like Arsenal would lose until VAR ruled Garnacho had gone just too soon before beating Ramsdale.

Rice’s goal, though deflected off Jonny Evans at the near post, showed once again why Arteta made his £105m signing his top priority this summer.

With United chasing an equaliser after being stunned by Rice’s goal, Jesus went on a weaving solo run before beating Onana.

As the international break approaches, Arsenal are still in contact with Manchester City.