Arsenal: 4 talking points from 3-2 Manchester United defeat

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 02: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal walks onto the pitch after their sides defeat in the Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford on December 02, 2021 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 02: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal walks onto the pitch after their sides defeat in the Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford on December 02, 2021 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal, Mo
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 02: Marcus Rashford of Manchester United battles for possession with Mohamed Elneny of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford on December 02, 2021 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /

2. Mohamed Elneny Was Not Arsenal’s Biggest Problem

When the team sheet dropped and Arsenal fans saw Mohamed Elneny starting, you could hear the collective moans and groans.

Arteta has been known to drop a few shocks here and there and his decision to field someone with 59 minutes of Premier League football all season long rated high among them. Not least since Sambi Lokonga had played so brilliantly last time out against Newcastle.

However, the Egyptian was by far not Arsenal’s worst problem on the night. Neat and tidy in possession, Elneny barely put a foot wrong as he anchored the midfield to allow Thomas Partey to go about his business. Whatever that business may have been.

Bursting with energy and endeavour, while there were some mistakes in his game, having been out of the team for so long he deserves some slack being cut.

While his future is away from the Emirates, Elneny did his job tonight and his commitment never dipped. Was rather progressive with his passes as well, trying to get Arsenal moving in the right direction.

Overall, he was solid in what was a poor night for the Gunners. Far from the biggest issue.

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