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MATCH REVIEW THREAD: United 0-1 Arsenal. A masterclass from Mikel Arteta. So many positive aspects to dissect from this performance. In this thread, I will provide an in-depth match review of the game. Likes/RTs so that more Gooners can see this would mean a lot, enjoy!
FIRST HALF: Regarding the setup, Arsenal continued with their fluid system that changes in and out of possession. During the build-up phase, the Gunners deployed a 4-3-3, with Elneny continuously dropping in and receiving the ball from the CBs and GK. Both Partey and Saka would
play slightly ahead of the Egyptian, clearly suggesting Arteta has complete trust in Elneny in these situations. As Arsenal progressed forward, the shape in possession changed in different periods of the half. Early on, it was extremely aggressive with both Tierney and Bellerin
providing width, along with Partey and Saka drifting between the lines. As the game continued, it was a more familiar 2-3-5 shape, with Arteta finding the correct balance. Saka/Auba partnership on the left with Bellerin/Willian on the right. What is key to note is the rotations
between both the FBs and wide attackers. Bellerin on many occasions would underlap, with Willian providing width. Out of possession, Arsenal would move into a 5-4-1 when United approached the Gunners third. Regarding the first-half performance, it was one that saw the Gunners
maintain great aggression/intensity from minute one. The 'pressing shape' when United's CB and GK had the ball was effective. Laca played a vital role in nullifying Fred from having any influence in the game. Willian and Auba were narrow, eliminating easy passes to their CMs,
with Saka and Partey occupying wide positions. This was key in forcing turnovers and forcing the United CBs to go long. When they did go long, Holding and Gabriel were great in the air, winning all their duels and enabling their surrounding teammates to collect the second balls
Arsenal was in complete control. Pace and fluidity in their passing, rotations between players, combinational play through both flanks were causing United problems. In the 13th minute, Bellerin who was causing havoc on the right delivers a dangerous ball across goal, which Auba
just couldn't manage to get on the end off. The overloads between Willian, Partey and Bellerin was exciting. Especially when it's been very apparent how left-sided the Gunners have been in the way they attack in the PL. Arteta clearly recognised this and because attacks stemmed
from both flanks, the football was far more unpredictable. Again later in the half,Bellerin provided two great crosses. As the half neared conclusion, Auba combined well with Willian, and the Brazillian was very unlucky with his attempt. Aggression, discipline, energy, intensity
and quality on the ball was on show. Only a goal was missing.
SECOND HALF: It's clear that United would have periods that would see them have more control/possession. This is what we saw in the opening 5/8 minutes after the interval. Arsenal was pegged back, but resolute in their
SECOND HALF: It's clear that United would have periods that would see them have more control/possession. This is what we saw in the opening 5/8 minutes after the interval. Arsenal was pegged back, but resolute in their
5-4-1 shape, with Saka dropping in at LWB. But what was great to see was the Gunners continue to be brave, attack in their 2-3-5 shape and take the initiative. Great opportunity in the 51st minute saw Laca do well to intercept the ball, but his pass to Auba could have been better
In the 67th minute, a big moment. The build-up to the Pogba foul won't be talked about enough. One/two touch passes and quick-release enabled the Gunners to move from left to right swiftly. Willian once again provides great intelligence on the ball and saw the run Bellerin made.
Hector then wins his team a crucial penalty, which Auba slots away brilliantly under pressure. Thoroughly deserved the goal. It was always then going to be about keeping the lead. Does this Arsenal team possess the mental and physical capabilities to take home the three points
at a ground which has seen them have no luck since 2006 in the PL? You bet they can! Individual battles won, first and second balls won, compact, organised, resolute, tackles, blocks, interceptions, and much more were on show. A huge win for Mikel Arteta's team.
INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCES: A surprisingly quiet game from Leno. But when he was called into action, he didn't disappoint. Good early save from Greenwood and his head prevented an Elneny own goal late in the game. Much better distribution and accuracy in his long passes. What also
stood out was his two claims from crosses late in the second half. Big moments and the German delivered. Gabriel and Holding were both colossus and commanding. The two CBs won their individual duels and dealt with all situations well. Both constantly demonstrated
excellent positional awareness. KT was solid and defensively astute. Arsenal's No.3. was instructed to drift in midfield, allowing Hector to go forward on the right. But when Kieren was given licence to go forward, he produced a few excellent crosses. There were some instances
where he could have released Saka early, but overall an encouraging display from the Scottsman. Bellerin was outstanding. Always a threat in an attacking sense. The partnership between him and Willian was a great outlet. Defensively he showed countless examples of great awareness
It was his bravery and desire that won his team the all-important penalty as well. Saka was energetic, lively and direct. Combined well with Auba and played both roles well (LCM and LWB). What a performance Elneny! His best game in an Arsenal shirt. Continuously effective in
receiving the ball from the GK and CBs and provided some excellent line breaking/forward passes which quickened the tempo of the transitions. The Egyptian was an excellent screen for the CBs and certainly justified his selection. On the right side of midfield was Thomas Partey.
It was an absolutely sensational display from the Ghanaian and showed exactly why the £45M release clause was a bargain. Unreal engine, breaking up the play effortlessly and showed great energy in his driving forward runs. Paul Pogba is a fantastic player. But what you saw from
Thomas was a player who completely nullified his threat. Either Elneny or Partey deserves the MOTM. Regarding Willian, that was his best game since he joined the club. Yes, he got two assists against Fulham. But it's about the all-round performance and he was frequently making
the correct decisions in possession. His forward pass to Bellerin was key in winning the penalty. Laca worked very hard and was pivotal in the way he stood on Fred and made life uncomfortable for the Brazillian. Much better hold up play as well. Auba was lively, playing as an
inside left forward and close to Laca. Was constantly making great runs and his penalty was the difference. Mikel Arteta, take a bow! Tactically spot on, great set up in and out possession, as well as a great pressing shape, deployed. A great day to be a Gooner. Up the Arsenal!!!
