Arsenal Vs Manchester United: Recap, Highlights And Analysis

Arsenal travelled to Old Trafford on Saturday. Here’s the full recap, highlights and analysis from the 1-1 draw with Manchester United.

The match that was branded Re:United by Sky Sports simply recycled the same old issues for Arsenal. A lack of fluency without Santi Cazorla, a lack of steel amid the pressures of Old Trafford and a lack of precision in the final third. The same old issues were exploited by a Manchester United side that were disciplined and well drilled by Jose Mourinho. However, while the performance was lacklustre, the result showed character that has not been seen for many years.

Related Story: Arsene Wenger's Best Starting XI

The first half was not the advert that the Premier League had hoped for. Both Arsenal and Manchester United looked nervous throughout, particularly in defensive areas, were cautious without ever being productive in possession, and both have valid arguments with the referee for a different outcome.

Perhaps the most controversial incident came when the marauding Antonio Valencia, someone who had caused the Gunners problems throughout the first half, broke into the box past Nacho Monreal and tumbled dramatically over the outstretched arm of the Spaniard.  Valencia certainly went to ground easily, without much contact from Monreal, but it is nonetheless a foul and a penalty. Arsene Wenger should be thanking his lucky stars for Andre Mariner.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

• 3 observations from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
• 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton
• 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
• Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
• 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park

Arsenal can feel aggrieved for Matteo Darmian remaining on the pitch, however. After picking up a blatant yellow card after bringing Theo Walcott down with the winger bursting forward and threatening the United back four, Darmian then dived in on Carl Jenkinson with his studs showing, gave away the foul but escaped a yellow.

Ultimately, the first 45 minutes was a cagey affair with only Petr Cech called into action with some good saves late in the half. Arsenal rarely threatened in attacking areas, with Aaron Ramsey and Mohamed Elneny struggling in particular.

Little changed early in the second half. Arsenal still struggled to lack any sort of cutting edge in possession, Elneny and Ramsey continued to look lost and Wenger was slow in making his substitutions once more, seemingly happy with the impending 0-0 draw. United looked the more threatening side early in the half and Arsenal could not gain a foothold in the game whatsoever.

The first goal eventually came after a series of United attacks. Arsenal were wilting under the relentless pressure that being unable to keep the ball and get up the pitch and after, numerous corners and crosses, the inevitable breakthrough came. With Paul Pogba holding the ball up wide left, Ander Herrera makes a run to the byline, uses the dart to the front post of Wayne Rooney as a dummy and pulls the ball back to Juan Mata who calmly slots the ball past the stretching Petr Cech.

While United continued to dominate the game throughout, the scoreline remained 1-0. That was until Olivier Giroud turned up. With Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on as a makeshift right back late in the game, the Ox skipped past Marcus Rashford, clipped a beautifully dinked cross to the back post where Giroud rose the highest and nodded the ball down past David De Gea. It was wholly undeserved but nonetheless important.

Next: Arsenal Vs Manchester United: Combined Starting XI

Ultimately, a point away at Old Trafford is a good point. However, there are far more negatives to come out of this game than positives, and as we dissect the performance and the result, do not expect it be particularly happy.

Highlights