Pain in the Arsenal
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Arsenal Vs Manchester United: 5 things we learned – Mikel Arteta is a genius

By Andrew Dowdeswell

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 01: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal acknowledges the fans after the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on January 01, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 01: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal acknowledges the fans after the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on January 01, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 01: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal acknowledges the fans after the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on January 01, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 01: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal acknowledges the fans after the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on January 01, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

On New Years Day, Arsenal hosted Manchester United looking for their first win under Mikel Arteta. Here are five things we learned from the 2-0 victory.

In three matches, Mikel Arteta has revolutionised Arsenal. The Gunners produced their best performance of the season on New Years Day to dismantle a rising Manchester United team. Nicolas Pepe scored in his first start under Arteta, before Sokratis doubled the lead just before half-time. Arteta watched on as his team dominated the match, pressed intently, and played some lovely football in possession.

Find the latest episode of the Pain in the Arsenal Podcast here — After Everton, good luck Mikel Arteta

Here are five things we learned from the 2-0 victory.

LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 01: Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal is fouled by Nemanja Matic of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on January 01, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 01: Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal is fouled by Nemanja Matic of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on January 01, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) /

5. This is why Lacazette is critical

There has been growing criticism for Alexandre Lacazette in recent matches. Many have viewed his displays as sub-standard. That is a little harsh, but he certainly has not replicated the type of form that saw him named Arsenal’s Player of the Season last year. However, even during these more difficult times, if you wanted an example of why he is vital to Mikel Arteta’s approach, this was it.

Where Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang struggles as a centre-forward is in his overall hold-up play. His touch is inconsistent, he is uncomfortable with his back to goal and defenders putting him under pressure, and he finds himself isolated for long periods, unwilling to drop into midfield and get involved in the build-up play. Lacazette excels at all this. In fact, it is his greatest asset.

His strength, close control, body positioning and nous to win freekicks are superb. He gets between the defender and the ball consistently, either twisting away and supplying a teammate or winning a foul to relieve pressure and recover safe possession for his team. Lacazette is a brilliant hold-up centre-forward, and that is why he is so crucial to Arsenal’s playing style.