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Notes from the MUFC v Arsenal match:
Recurring issues for United in their build-up and progression. No clear method of progression and poor execution (51% acc compared to Arsenals 61%).
According to @fbref, Fred and Mctominay combined for 4 prog passes, Partey had 9.
Recurring issues for United in their build-up and progression. No clear method of progression and poor execution (51% acc compared to Arsenals 61%).
According to @fbref, Fred and Mctominay combined for 4 prog passes, Partey had 9.
Compared to Arsenal, who had a clear plan of progressing the ball to wide areas and taking advantage of United's narrow midfield (especially in the first half).
The heat-map shows that Arsenal targeted the left-hand side, looking to get Saka/Tierney/Aubameyang.
The heat-map shows that Arsenal targeted the left-hand side, looking to get Saka/Tierney/Aubameyang.
This allowed Arsenal to get into dangerous opportunities out wide, with a significant portion of their box entries from wider areas. Arsenal's most dangerous chances were from crosses in wider areas.
United's build-up issues are well documented. This game was a prime example. Arsenal did well to close down spaces, while United's poor positioning and movement made it difficult for them to play through Arsenal's press.
The voronoi diagram shows this.
The voronoi diagram shows this.
Below are two other examples of Arsenal's compact pressing making it difficult for United to build-up play and progress the ball effectively.
Another issue United had was the lack of a presence up front. Martial's hold-up and link-up play was missed.
In cases where United were able to break through, the front two were often wasteful and struggled with their backs to goal. Both are much more effective when facing goal.
In cases where United were able to break through, the front two were often wasteful and struggled with their backs to goal. Both are much more effective when facing goal.
This was a short thread on some of the key observations I found from the game. Feedback appreciated.
