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Mikel Arteta picked up his first win as Arsenal boss, as the Gunners overcame old rivals Manchester United 2-0 in the Premier League’s late kick-off at the Emirates.
Arsenal controlled the first half and took the lead after just 8 minutes through winger Nicolas Pepe, and on the stroke of half-time, they added a second goal when defender Sokratis turned in from close range.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s United – who were once again without star midfielder Paul Pogba – improved their output in the second half and actually ended the game with 10 shots, the same number as their opponents, but weren’t able to find a way through.
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The result leaves the Red Devils in 5th place in the Premier League, 5 points behind 4th-placed Chelsea, while Arsenal moved into 10th place with their win.
Here are the hits and flops from the game.
Hit: Nicolas Pepe
After moving to Arsenal for a fee of around £72m in the summer transfer window, Ivorian winger Nicolas Pepe has come under fire on numerous occasions this season for his lackluster performances, and under Unai Emery he often found himself out of Arsenal’s first choice XI.
Despite his perceived struggles, Pepe has also produced some flashes of brilliance – and during tonight’s game he gave a glimpse of his immense talent, as he tortured United’s defence throughout the first half with a truly excellent display.
Not only did the Ivorian take his goal well, but he also set up big chances for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette, both of which didn’t end in goals. In fact, Pepe was Arsenal’s most productive player until his substitution; he registered 4 successful dribbles, 4 key passes and a 100% pass success rate – better statistics than any of his teammates.
Whether Pepe can continue to deliver this kind of form on a more consistent basis is still a question mark, but on this performance Mikel Arteta will definitely be encouraged, and he might begin to rely on this season’s big signing more often than his predecessor.
Flop: Jesse Lingard
Jesse Lingard’s struggles have been well documented this season; the attacking midfielder hasn’t scored a goal or registered an assist in the Premier League since the start of 2019-20 despite appearing in 18 of United’s matches, and judging by tonight’s showing, that isn’t looking likely to change any time soon.
Lingard had an extremely poor showing at the Emirates, failing to make any kind of impact on the game despite being given the responsibility to play behind central striker Anthony Martial as the Red Devils’ main creative hub.
The England international did not register a shot on goal, failed in all of his dribbling attempts and managed just one key pass prior to his substitution on 58 minutes. More damningly, although he didn’t score, Lingard’s replacement – Andreas Pereira - had a shot on goal within minutes of entering the fray.
Given his current form, it seems difficult to imagine that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer can keep faith with Lingard despite his long tenure at Old Trafford, and tonight will represent yet another big missed opportunity for him.
Hit: Sokratis
Arsenal have struggled for consistency and strength in their defence all season, despite the signing of David Luiz from Chelsea in the summer. Tonight however, they looked pretty solid at the back overall – restricting a dangerous Manchester United side to no real clear-cut chances, and part of the reason for that was the strong showing from Sokratis.
The Greek centre-back scored the Gunners’ second goal, smashing in from close range, but he was also the most outstanding performer in Mikel Arteta’s backline from start to finish.
Sokratis registered the most successful tackles of any Arsenal player who appeared in this game, and he also topped the statistical table when it came to clearances and aerial duels. With 62 passes completed at an 85% success rate, he also managed to retain possession for his side and more importantly, made none of the individual errors that have scarred Arsenal’s season thus far.
Is this the start of a really strong run for Sokratis, who has appeared in 17 of the Gunners’ Premier League matches thus far? If it is, Arteta will be extremely happy, particularly given Arsenal’s defensive issues under Unai Emery.
Flop: Nemanja Matic
Nemanja Matic’s influence at Old Trafford has been largely waning since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took the reins at the club a year ago, and thus far this season he’s only started 4 of Manchester United’s Premier League matches.
Tonight he was trusted to start in a double-pivot with Fred, and it’s safe to say his performance won’t have changed the opinions of his doubters.
Matic looked slow and lethargic throughout the match, as he failed to keep track of Granit Xhaka, Mesut Ozil and Lucas Torreira prior to his substitution late in the second half. For a holding midfield player of some renown, the Serbian’s statistics were worryingly poor.
Matic completed just 1 tackle throughout the game, and failed to register any interceptions or clearances. In comparison, his midfield partner Fred registered higher in all categories – and was the more accurate passer of the ball, too.
The likelihood is that if Scott McTominay were fit, Matic would not have started this game; judging by this showing, the sooner McTominay can return to full fitness, the better it will be for the Red Devils’ hopes.
Hit: Granit Xhaka
Current reports have been suggesting that Arsenal are ready to let Granit Xhaka go in the upcoming transfer window, with Hertha Berlin a possible destination, but judging by tonight’s performance the Gunners should attempt to keep the controversial Swiss midfielder at the Emirates for the foreseeable future.
Deployed as part of a double-pivot in Arsenal’s midfield alongside Lucas Torreira, Xhaka not only outshone his teammate but he was also far more convincing than United counterparts Fred and Nemanja Matic.
The Swiss international seemed to be everywhere, particularly in the first half, continually harrying his opponents and making their lives miserable.
Despite registering highly in successful tackles and interceptions, though, Xhaka was not just a destroyer in this match; with a 93% passing success rate he also kept Mikel Arteta’s side ticking over, justifying his manager’s faith in him.
Will the Swiss midfielder remain at Arsenal come the end of January? Only time will tell, but right now he appears to be a player reborn under Arteta, something that will surely give Arsenal fans a boost going into 2020.
