Four things we learned: Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal
Arsenal and Arsene Wenger faced off against Manchester United and Mourinho earlier today in what was anticipated to be a heated affair at Old Trafford. Arsenal started off shaky and for pretty much the whole game carried that on. With the exception of Giroud goal, Arsenal arguably put in their worst performance of the season. United came out firing and were unfortunate to only come away with one goal, much less one point. Here are the four things we learned..
1. Ramsey Misplaced
Aaron Ramsey started for Arsenal on the left flank, a position that both he and the fans feel isn’t best suited to the Wales international’s style of play. Off form yet again, Ramsey failed to make any solid impact on proceedings and raised the question of why he is being selected ahead of Iwobi, and some may go as far as to suggest Chamberlain. Whatever your preference, it’s clear to see that the box-to-box midfielder is being forced into a position to offer playing time at the cost of being moved out of central midfield.
2. Cazorla is badly missed
Coquelin was accompanied in the holding role by Elneny, a position normally held by Cazorla and it was the Egyptian who highlighted just how vital the Spaniard is to this Arsenal side. Filling in the role of deep playmaker, Elneny’s stray passes often put United back on the front foot and inhibited Arsenal’s build up play. His substitution made way for a midfield which should have started the game: a Ramsey-Coquelin partnership if the decision was made to keep Xhaka off. Whatever the selection, no fan can argue Cazorla’s impact on, and importance to, this Arsenal XI.
3. Čech’s Quality
The veteran goalkeeper conceded off of a very poor defensive shape in the second-half, but did come to the fore on every other occasion he was called upon, especially his save from a Mata shot in the first-half. Sparing blushes is one thing, but this is a goalkeeper with the experience, talent and maturity to carry the Gunners to their most serious title challenge yet.
Though Čech is not the most flamboyant man between the sticks, he is one of the most experienced and coveted ‘keepers in the League, and is certainly vital for Arsenal. As the season continues the Czech international’s saved point tally will rise, and whatever the outcome of the season, the clever transfer from Chelsea will look more and more like a £10 million bargain.
4. Defensive Indifference
Just as the back line seemed to be coming into cohesion for the first time in a decade, Arsenal’s defensive unit received a worrying wakeup call. Although it was Walcott who allowed Mata to walk into space and score, the collective unit at the back four was shaky at best. Jenkinson often ventured out of position, Monreal came to be exposed for his lack of pace and the central defenders played awful passes out from the back. However the worries do not stop there. Bar Coquelin, challenges made by Arsenal players further up the pitch seemed rash and poorly timed, often breaking up play rather than setting up a counter attack. On the whole, the entire team looked flat and disregarding the wonderful late header from Olivier Giroud, even a 1-0 loss would not have been the harshest judgment based on today’s performance.
