By Richard C. Banda
It seems like Mikel Arteta is breaking Arsenal’s records
week in week out. A first defeat against Leicester City at Emirates in 76 years
along with a record breaking win against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Arsenal’s first league win at Old Trafford for 14 years was
actually more than a remarkable victory for the Gunners boss Mikel Arteta. This
could be actually the most turning point for Arsenal and a defining moment for
Arteta.
With a massive pressure going into this fixture, surely
Arsenal were the underdogs after back-to-back defeats against Manchester City
and Leicester City in the league.
After running rampant against RB Leipzig finding the back of
the net 5 times in midweek Champions League fixture, it’s very flabbergasting that
the Red Devils could not find a way through a lethal Arsenal side on Sunday.
Surely, you have to give Arteta credit for his tactical
masterclass and how he picked up his team. There were lot of questions and
arguments on why Granit Xhaka was not picked to start. But whatever the reason
was, surely it was a tactical decision that was perfectly executed.
A Solid Start for Arsenal Sees off Man Utd
It was midfield
battle between the two arch-rivals. But it came out that Arsenal we on top of
their game to win this tough and aggressive battle. All this was down to Thomas
Partey and Mohamed Elneny’s prolific performance.
Mohamed Elneny has been one of the most surprising upgrade
in Mikel Arteta’s side. Its high time Arsenal fans must put some respect to the
Egyptian maestro’s name. Absolutely fantastic in the midfield pairing with the
new signing Thomas Partey.
The Gunners had to party with Partey and Elneny pressing
along with Alexandre Lacazette to ignite more intense on Fred, the United deep
playing midfielder. All this was to block his breakthrough passes into Arsenal
half and pressing the ball off him.
All that was part of Mike Arteta’s game plan, and it gave
United no room or option to attack and find the much-needed forward pass to
Bruno Fernandez and Marcus Rashford.
Above all, Arsenal had enough chances to kill the game
early, but it was that moment when Paul Pogba felt the heat of the firing
gunners and the French international brought down Hector Bellerin in the penalty area. With no
doubt Mike Dean pointed to spot for Aubameyang to score the only goal of the
match for the Gunners.
There was no home comfort for Manchester United as the Gunners
glide past their old foes imposing United to some fresh woes.
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