Arsenal 0-0 Manchester United : Five Talking Points

Ozil and Mata hampered by tactics

Signed for huge sums of money, Messrs Mesut Özil and Juan Mata are under the pump right from the off to create chances for the team and score with nonchalant ease. Unfortunately for the duo, whilst they are more than capable of doing just that, the formation of both managers left a lot be desired for. Both players thrive in the center of the pitch, where they can use the space to create goal scoring opportunities.

But both played a majority of the game in positions not best suited to them. Whilst the Spaniard was posted on the left and couldn’t find the pockets of space to work with, Özil was much better than he was against Liverpool, but that wasn’t saying much. Both played with a lot of dexterity, but they weren’t their usual self. The sooner they are played in their preferred role, the better it is for both teams.