5 Talking Points from Man Utd vs Arsenal – on Sanchez, Mertesacker, Rashford, Depay and More
The Premier League has indeed proven that it stands to be the best in the world. True, you cannot write a script for a Premier League games this season, everything is definitely unpredictable. Leicester City came from fighting relegation to top the Premier League, Chelsea are now battling for a place in the top half of the table. Manchester United struggling for a place in next season’s Champions League and Arsenal still battling to end their Premier League title drought after almost a decade.
In what seemed to be a good game for Arsenal to remain on track in their Premier League title race, a host of United youngsters happed to be the people to dent the Gunners’ title aspirations.
18 year old Marcus Rashford started against hot favorites Arsenal and scord twon goals within three minutes to put the Old Trafford outfit 2-0 up but a goal from former United forward Danny Welbeck made it 2-1 as the teams went for the halftime.
United got their winning goal from Ander Herrera’s shot from just outside the box which was deflected to make it 3-1. After 4 minutes, Mesut Ozil’s close range effort made it 3-2 and kept the Gunners in the game.
Louis van Gaal made a couple of changes after Ozil’s goals to make sure his side are able to defend the narrow 1 goal lead which they did without any worries.
Arsenal’s defeat means Leicester will continue to have a better advantage in their title race and United have moved 3 points closer to secure a spot in the Champions League.
So, what did we learn?
Wenger’s attacking line was fine – but Walcott failed to deliver.
Wenger knew Daley Blind and Michael Carrick would be available at the heart of United’s makeshift defense and he selected Danny Welbeck, Mesut Ozil, Theo Walcott and Alexis Sanchez, who are all big on pace and firepower.
Unfortunately, Walcott was awful with only 17 touches that saw him ranked as one of the worst performers on Sunday.
The 26-year-old remained anonymous as he only managed 9 passes, failed to help Hector Bellerin defensively, and he barely got on the ball for the 63 minutes he was on the pitch.
He was later replaced with Olivier Giroud.
Marcus Rashford looks like a star of the future.
The teenager was included in the 18-man squad for the Europa last-32 second leg tie at Old Trafford, and scored twice to put the Red Devils on track for the last 16 of the Europa League.
He was again the main man on Sunday and he scored twice in three minutes and an assist for the third goal, that saw him named the Man of the Match. To be precise, he is a star in the making.
United kids may be key to the club’s success this season. United lacked a good number of the big names and Van Gaal considered bringing their youngsters, who turned Arsenal’s main players into confused raft of youthful players who had just been introduced to senior football.
Alexis Sanchez is still struggling to get back in form.
As Arsenal’s big names looked clueless, most fans were there asking: Where has Sanchez of last season gone? Although the Chilean showed some slight impact into the game compared to Walcott, his efforts did not match everything he is known for.
Arsenal still have the inability to win big games. It is well-known to Arsenal’ fans that the club’s inability to win big games has greatly hammered their hopes of ending the title drought for the past 10 years.
This loss against United, two defeats to Chelsen and the 3 draws – 2 with Liverpool and one with Tottenham have indeed dented Wenger’s men hopes of lifting the trophy in May.
Partnership between Koscielny and Gabriel does not work.
Even a first-time football fans could can identify this. Is it the language barrier? The style of play? A grudge between the two? Nobody knows!
Per Mertesacker and Koscielny – Yes! Koscielny and Chambers – Yes! Per Mertesacker and Chambers – Yes! Gabriel and Chambers – Yes! Per Mertesacker and Gabriel – No!
To precise, the partnership between Koscielny and Gabriel is just a comprehension of danger, no organization.
Lingard, Memphis and Varela proves their worth
Memphis has been improving gradually, especially after the midweek win. Varela has gotten a chance to prove his worth under Van Gaal after being signed by Moyes. He worked hard with quality passed.
Lingard was on good form with another assist that brought Rashford’s second goal. There is no doubt that this was the test of character that Arsenal failed against a United team that lacked the big names.