3 positives & negatives from pre-season defeat to Man Utd

Positive #2: Newfound respect

I’m not sure whether this is a positive or a negative, but United’s approach was indicative of just how far Arsenal have come under Arteta. Erik ten Hag was intent on treating this unlike a friendly, and the Red Devils were intent on disrupting the Gunners’ rhythm from the get-go.

United committed 37 fouls on Saturday evening, while Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire were booked for rather unfriendly-like challenges.

Following their excellent 2022/23 season, Arsenal now have a target on their backs and Ten Hag’s side were seemingly intent on sending out a very early statement. It was their intensity, aggression, and competitiveness that fired them to victory.

Negative #2: Performance without the ball

Key to the Gunners’ improvement under Arteta has been their work without possession. Once a pragmatic unit capable of containing opponents, Arsenal relentlessly sought to win the ball back high up the pitch last season in a 4-4-2 structure.

With United deploying three diminutive forwards on Saturday, Arteta’s side could’ve suffocated the Red Devils had they pressed with the vigour of 2022/23. However, Arsenal were a yard of the pace and they were subsequently punished. Ten Hag’s side built up at will, with their third-man runs and slick interplay often far too much to handle.

And when Arsenal did get it right on the pressing front, United frustratingly had success when they went long. The Red Devils frequently penetrated the Gunners’ high defensive line and so often forced their opponents onto the back foot.

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