Arsenal 2-0 Manchester United: 3 Things we learnt

Arsenal got the better of Manchester United in a keenly contested encounter at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday evening. The win helped the Gunners leapfrog their northern rivals into the fourth position and placed them only a point adrift of Tottenham in third.

The hosts got off the blocks quickly and controlled the early exchanges. The movement of Arsenal’s front three caused the visitors problems as they dragged the defense into uncomfortable areas.

Eventually, the said tactic accorded Granit Xhaka time and space to line up a ferocious strike from outside the box. The swerve and the dip imparted on the football completely flummoxed David De Gea with the Spaniard rooted to his spot.

Though Manchester United slowly grew into the game, they were unable to get onto level terms in the second half. The result was put beyond doubt by Pierre Emerick Aubameyang in the 69th minute when the Gabonese scored from the spot.

While it was an enterprising day for the home side, the away side were swiftly brought back down to earth after their heroics in mid-week.

Here is a look at three things we learned from the game at the Emirates:

#3. Bernd Leno growing into a top-class keeper

In the summer of 2018, Gooners were excited with the acquisition of Bernd Leno. The German had distinguished himself playing for Bayer Leverkusen and many believed him to seamlessly slot in Arsenal’s line-up.

However, he endured a torrid 2018 with an uncharacteristically nervy performance against Southampton being the nadir. Yet, since the calendar has flipped to 2019, Leno seems to have turned a corner.

A couple of weeks ago, against Southampton, he was sensational as he came up with vital saves at important moments. A week ago, he produced a contender for ‘save of the season’ when he palmed a powerful Moussa Sissoko shot over the bar from a prone position.

On Sunday too, he was at his best and thwarted everything United threw at him with the pick of the bunch being a brave save at Lukaku’s feet. Moreover, he was extremely comfortable on the ball and also made a well-timed dash off his line to ward off a potential threat.

Ever since Jens Lehmann left the club, the Gunners have been searching for a top-drawer goalkeeper. Unfortunately, that pursuit had been futile.

Yet, with another German coming up trumps recently, Arsenal’s wait for a superb keeper could just be coming to an end.

#2. Manchester United finally feel the weight of their injuries

Rashford and Manchester United were left to rue their missed chances

Manchester United arrived at the Emirates on the back of a run which had seen them notch 9 consecutive away victories. The string of wins included stunning displays at Tottenham (PL), Arsenal (FA Cup), Chelsea (FA Cup) and Paris Saint-Germain (CL). Thus, many expected them to make a fist of the trip to North London.

However, the visitors were poor in the opening quarter of the game and handed Arsenal the initiative. The Red Devils’ system played into the Gunners’ hands with Sead Kolasinac in particular, enjoying himself. Though the away side was able to tweak things and establish control, the hosts had found the early ascendancy they craved.

But, the most disappointing aspect of United’s play was their lack of conviction at both ends of the pitch which could be put down to mental exhaustion. Romelu Lukaku spurned several gilt-edged opportunities while Marcus Rashford probably had his worst game under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Defensively too, De Gea got caught in no man’s land for Xhaka’s opener while Fred indulged in some questionable defending after the hour mark.

Since Solskjaer’s tenure began, the Red Devils have left everyone in their wake. However, on Sunday, they lost their concentration at crucial junctures and were made to pay heavily.

Thus, highlighting that United’s threadbare squad could be feeling the effects of a congested fixture list. And if they are to mount a serious assault on the top four, they need some of their players back.

However, the Red Devils’ fans need not panic yet. After all, it was only Solskjaer’s first poor game and in light of everything he has achieved so far, the Norwegian was surely allowed one bad day at the office.

#1. Mesut Ozil could be back in Unai Emery’s plans

Ozil put in an impressive shift on Sunday

Unai Emery knew he had a tough ask on his hands when he joined forces with Arsenal in the off-season. For one, he had to make the Gunners an irresistible attacking force while also ensuring they weren’t the proverbial moving object defensively.

In addition, his cause wasn’t helped by Mesut Ozil’s lackadaisical attitude and the latter’s inability to meet the former’s tactical demands. Thus, many believed that the Spaniard wasn’t the right man to take Arsenal forward after all.

Yet, with a couple of encouraging displays in the league, the Gooners seem to be back in sync with Emery with a major reason for the sudden affection being his decision to play Ozil.

In two of Arsenal’s biggest continental games this term, the German has been given the nod whereas he also started the match against United. Though the midfielder wasn’t as influential as he was against Bournemouth a couple of weeks back, he put in an accomplished performance.

Ozil ran the show for the opening 20 minutes and found pockets of space between the midfield and defense. He ended up being Arsenal’s most creative outlet and conjured four chances through the game.

However, the most impressive aspect of his display was the inclination to put in the hard yards and trackback. Work rate has never been Ozil’s strong suit but on Sunday, he showcased the determination to make himself counted.

Emery has never doubted the German’s imagination or his inventiveness. The stumbling block in their relationship has revolved around his defensive contribution.

Yet, with a few promising performances, maybe Ozil is playing himself into the Spaniard’s plans.

And that above all, would be the brightest spot from a convincing win against United.