Arsenal Player Ratings vs Manchester United: Odegaard Debuts in Draw

Arsenal drew 0-0 against Manchester United in the Premier League on Saturday, extending their unbeaten run in the competition to seven matches.

Pre-match nerves were settled when it was confirmed that Thomas Partey and Emile Smith Rowe were passed fit to play, only for fear to sink in when Bukayo Saka was left out of the squad at the last minute with a sore hip. Kieran Tierney was also not passed fit.

It was Bernd Leno who Arsenla had to thank for keeping the scores level at half-time, making a flying save to stop Fred’s shot from finding the top corner. The German also did well to prevent Marcus Rashford from scoring, in a performance that lacked bite and sharpness from the hosts.

There were chances for the Gunners though, with Alexandre Lacazette firing a shot straight at David de Gea, while Nicolas Pepe had an effort that was just wide of the post.

Arsenal player ratings vs Manchester United

Starting the second half strongly, Willian fluffed his lines when in a fine position and Pepe saw a goalbound effort blocked by the feet of Harry Maguire.

Edinson Cavani was guilty of a woeful miss with the goal gaping, and Alexandre Lacazette rattled the crossbar from a free-kick. There were spells for both sides but Arsenal were lacking cutting edge throughout, an indicator of Bukayo Saka’s importance to the side (not that we needed one).

There was one final miss from Cavani that nearly stole the points, but Arsenal kept another clean sheet to go seven matches unbeaten in the Premier League.

Arsenal Goalkeeper & Defenders Ratings

Bernd Leno (GK) – 7/10 – Stunning flying save in the first half to deny Fred the opener and was quick off his line to close the space for Marcus Rashford later on. Another solid performance to maintain his rightfully strong reputation.

Hector Bellerin (RB) – 5/10 – Had zero impact in an attacking sense. Defensively he struggled against the excellent Luke Shaw, who was superb on the night, yet was otherwise untroubled. However, more is needed from him in the final third where he was non-existent.

Rob Holding (CB) – 7/10 – A decent enough evening from Holding despite a couple of dodgy moments, but as ever he put his body on the line in and outside the box and was a commanding presence in the air.

David Luiz (CB) – 7/10 – A mixed bag (in the first hald) from David Luiz who was guilty of some passes that lacked sharpness and care, yet he was vital in a few defensive situations, including his block from Bruno Fernandes’ free kick.

As capable of an error as he is a goal-saving intervention. Was an important figure in the heart of defence.

Cedric Soares (LB) – 6/10 – Having been booked early on Cedric did well to maintain his energy levels throughout. Was hindered by Willian’s arrival as the pair have absolutely no chemistry whatsoever. That does apply to anyone with the Brazilian, mind you.