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

Positive #3: Time is on Arteta’s side

This was a disjointed Arsenal showing characterised by their performance without the ball and the lack of synergy between the midfield three.

However, the start of the Premier League season is still some time away (although it’s less than a month now) and the Gunners still have three games before they face up against Nottingham Forest on 15 August.

With Rice adjusting to performing for a possession-oriented side and Havertz taking up a role he’s rarely performed before, it’s going to take time for the new boys to adapt. Moreover, further evolution is required on the tactical front if they’re to improve on their stellar 2022/23 campaign. Timber may be key in that regard.

So, while there’s reason for concern, Arteta still has plenty of time to figure things out. While pre-season has seemingly gained greater importance in modern times, the summer is still all about reducing the rust and increasing fitness levels heading into the new season. Saturday’s performance is not going to define Arsenal’s summer, let alone 2023/24.

Negative #3: Individual errors costly

Arsenal’s defensive performance fell off a cliff last season after William Saliba’s injury, but there were signs of decline preceding the Frenchman’s absence.

For all of their collective brilliance, individual errors occasionally compromised the Gunners.

Such issues reared their ugly head in New Jersey as United raced into a 2-0 first-half lead off the back of a pair of Arsenal errors. Aaron Ramsdale should’ve done more to prevent Bruno’s strike from distance finding the back of the net and Gabriel’s mishit clearance which led to United’s second was simply inexplicable.