JESSE LINGARD scored twice for Manchester United and goalkeeper David de Gea pulled off a string of stunning saves in a 3-1 win over Arsenal to keep pace in the English Premier League (EPL) race Saturday.

The result left United in second place behind Manchester City before both teams meet next week.

Elsewhere, Chelsea came back from a goal down to ease to a 3-1 victory over Newcastle courtesy of two goals from Eden Hazard — including an impudent penalty.

Free-scoring Liverpool blitzed Brighton 5-1 on the south coast with goals from Emre Can, a brace from Roberto Firmino, a late strike from Philippe Coutinho and a Lewis Dunk own goal.

De Gea made 14 saves, equaling the record for the most stops in a Premier League match.

It was a pulsating contest from start to finish at Emirates Stadium, with a glut of shots on goal, amazing goalkeeping, a sending off, and textbook counterattacks.

“The game was fantastic,” United manager Jose Mourinho said. “If I was in the stands, or if I was at home watching, I would be sad to see the game finish. In my case, it’s different because I want to win. I wanted to see the game finish.”

United’s first two goals came early on from sloppy play in possession by Arsenal. Antonio Valencia intercepted a poor pass from defender Laurent Koscielny that was meant for wing back Sead Kolasinac. The Ecuadorean quickly drove forward and exchanged passes with Paul Pogba. Valencia struck a low shot that went in between goalkeeper Petr Cech’s legs in the fourth minute.

Lingard doubled the lead in the 11th after Arsenal defender Shkodran Mustafi gave the ball away in United’s half. Anthony Martial flicked on to Lingard in the area and the latter’s effort careened in off a post.

“The concentration at the back wasn’t sharp enough at the start,” Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said.

Arsenal got back into the match in the 49th when United defender Marcos Rojo tried and failed to play Alexandre Lacazette offside. Midfielder Aaron Ramsey was onside when he touched the ball back to Lacazette who fired it past De Gea.

But it was the Spaniard’s quick reflexes that kept his team in the match, especially when he denied Arsenal an equalizer with a double save in the 57th from Lacazette and Alexis Sanchez.

Mourinho sarcastically referred to Lacazette’s presence on the pitch, because before the match Wenger said the forward would most definitely not be available because of a groin injury Wednesday.

“I congratulate Arsenal’s medical department for taking a player that was a ‘no’ to a full 90 minutes,” Mourinho said. “Amazing.” (SD-Agencies)