The Gunners returned to winning ways yesterday as they outwitted and outfought Manchester United in North London. Emery's men were up for the fight, and with a little luck along the way, got the three points that they fully deserved to crank up the pressure on Tottenham who now sit a mere point above their arch rivals. The top four race is hotting up now, and with a surprise weekend of Spurs losing and Chelsea also dropping points, the race for fourth is now back in Arsenal's hands.
In what was an extremely surprising starting XI from Unai Emery, the Gunners set out to attack. There was no two ways about it as a back three was protected by Ramsey and Xhaka in central midfield, and from there it was attack attack attack. Two wing backs provided true width down the flanks whilst chief creator Mesut Ozil sat in behind an attacking duo of Aubameyang and Lacazette. There were a few hairy moments still at the back but with Bernd Leno now in the form of his Arsenal career so far, United were never going to score. After clanging one off the bar through Lukaku from close range, the Gunners drove up field and Granit Xhaka let fly from distance deceiving de Gea in the process and finding the net. One nil and now in Arsenal's hands, and only twelve minutes on the clock. Although United came close, Arsenal's early play was far more upbeat, organised and in general Emery's men just looked more up for it - a fighting spirit we saw so little of under Wenger. The remainder of the first half was pretty end to end but the Gunners still edged it. United midfielder Fred also hit the woodwork in the first half but replays showed that Leno matched it and should it have actually been on target, the German looked like he'd have got a good hand on it. Some scrappy defending and some real fight meant Arsenal got to the break in the lead and on top.
After the interval, Leno again came to the rescue as, with his defence caught high, he met Lukaku deny the big Belgian after a neat ball from the lively Rashford. Arsenal slowly began to sit deeper and allowed United to attack a little more; it was the age old cliche as the next goal would likely win the game. And at the midway point of the second half, an expert Arsenal counter found Lacazette who dribbled his way deep into the United box before being ushered over by Fred. A penalty was awarded and up stepped Aubameyang to bury last week's issues and lead his team to victory. A simple straight down the middle side footer left United with it all to do and Arsenal with it all to win. Let's take a moment here to applaud Lacazette, firstly for the good attacking play but second to encourage his team mate to step up and score. He showed faith in his partner that so few footballers would. Most would barge in and have the pen for themselves, not Lacazette and not with the comradery now so vibrant throughout the current squad. As a minimum Emery has allowed his players to come closer together, as friends and as colleagues and what we've all gained is a team who look like they want to fight for each other and fight for the cause. Often under Wenger, this always looked in question. United ultimately had chances to score but with Leno in such fine form and with luck on his side, they found it very difficult. Xhaka too was fantastic in the holding role as he dictated the game's pace from minute one. Lacazette's unselfish running was again there for all to see whilst Ramsey, in a deeper role, was a superior force all game long. To a man, Arsenal were better, far far better than United in pretty much every area. And having had the lead for so long, most of the second half was played on the counter which suited Arsenal massively. The substitutions introduced by Emery were spot on too as they created even more of a concern down the United end as the half wore on.
Ratings and Talking Points
Unai Emery: 9
Bold, brave and prepared. Very little else needs to be said about the man in charge, who's game plan was delivered and executed perfectly. His starting line up was indeed brave and bold but he had every player prepared, educated and knowing their role inside out. With everyone buying in to the plan, it worked. Many would have questioned the Ramsey-Xhaka midfield partnership above anything else but both players were excellent on the day. Mature and responsible, they both arguably had their best games this season. The three back set up was equally as bold but spot on as the combination of of Koscielny's know-how, Sokratis' love of defending and Monreal's guile meant (other than a few hairy moments) United's forwards would find it tough. Emery then introduced the right subs at the right times, as we saw Iwobi and Suarez come on to liven up the wide attacking areas, as the wing backs began to sit deeper. Eddie Nketiah then entered the fray later on to again stretch the United defence with fresh legs, lightning pace and a direct nature.
Bernd Leno: 9
Sokratis: 7
Laurent Koscielny: 7.5
Nacho Monreal: 7.5
Ainsley Maitland-Niles: 8
Granit Xhaka: 9
Aaron Ramsey: 9
Sead Kolasinac: 8
Mesut Ozil: 7.5
Alex Lacazette: 8.5
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: 8
Subs:
Alex Iwobi: 6
Denis Suarez: 6
Eddie Nketiah: 5
Xhaka The Dictator
Granit Xhaka's performance yesterday was absolutely outstanding. Occupying the lone holding role in central midfield is something we've seen him attempt before, and fail. And alongside the attacking Aaron Ramsey, many would have assumed the worst. However, both had great games from start to finish. Xhaka in particular though, controlled the tempo of Arsenal's play - and even the entire game's pace at times. He was exquisite in every aspect of the holding midfield role but he equally allowed his natural ball playing instincts to shine through too. His tackling, talking, leading, positioning and fitness were all on point, and to a degree, unmatched by anyone else. He dictated Arsenal's play fantastically and especially when our play reverted to counter attacking in the second half, his wand of a left foot came in handy.
Bernd Leno - Germany's Next No. 1?
The big German stopper has gradually improved month on month during his time at Arsenal and yesterday he was at his best so far. A fine double save against Spurs last weekend was bettered by an all round expert performance yesterday where everything from his kicking and positioning to his saving and his reactions were world class. One may wonder where would Arsenal be in the Europa League against Rennes had he played last week...I certainly do. The aging Cech is still a fantastic shot stopper but his reactions and speed have certainly slowed, showing a little on Rennes' third goal last Thursday night. However, reasons to be cheerful; Leno is 27 years old and locked under contract until the summer of 2023, which if he continues to perform the same as late, he'll be a candidate for an improved deal next season. Our number one for years to come, and maybe even the successor to Manuel Neuer for the national team.
@craigbennett10
Comments
Post a Comment