Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal: 5 Talking Points and Tactical Analysis | Premier League 2019/20

#1 Is mediocrity becoming the norm at Arsenal and Manchester United?

Solskjaer and Emery have plenty of questions to answer

Throughout the Premier League’s fabled history, Arsenal and Manchester United have dipped into several intense encounters, with most being fought with the ultimate prize at stake.

However, the game on Monday represented a battle between two fallen giants, where one has been fervently searching for an identity in a rather futile manner, while the other has failed to establish a distinguishing trait altogether.

And, that is exactly what transpired at Old Trafford too.

Manchester United, despite enjoying long spells of possession, were unable to find the attacking verve they’ve been craving, meaning that they unfurled a pattern that has reared its ugly head quite frequently.

A trend that has seen the Red Devils score more than once only against Chelsea and one that is threatening to derail everything Solskjaer has claimed to ever stand for.

Thus, at this juncture, United find themselves at a crossroad. While the Norwegian initially seemed to inject a stuttering outfit with a bit of impetus, that effervescence has slowly but surely fizzled out since.

And, one reckons that that might not be what the Old Trafford unit signed up for, when it handed the reins to one of their own, hoping for a rendition of the club’s famous offensive instincts.

However, if it’s any solace, they aren’t the only fallen giant looking for ideas to resurrect its poor state of affairs.

Akin to the Red Devils, Arsenal have also struggled in the post-Arsene Wenger era, thereby contributing to a feeling that the Gunners haven’t really traversed forward.

Though Emery has impressed in patches, he has failed to create a game-plan which might suit Arsenal under most circumstances. And, his reputation as a tactical chameleon hasn’t particularly helped him in that regard.

Like his predecessor, the Spaniard has gotten his charges scoring freely. But, the defensive solidity that many expected him to bring along, has been found wanting, despite them shipping only one at Old Trafford, for a change.

Consequently, the clamours for Emery’s head have started gaining a hint of voice over the past few weeks, albeit slightly prematurely.

Yet, it is quite hard to argue against any of the criticisms being aimed at the Spaniard, in light of what a club of Arsenal’s stature demands, more so after the summer spending spree they embarked on.

More alarmingly though, there doesn’t seem to be a proper upward curve chalked out for the Gunners or for that matter, Manchester United.

And, inevitably, one can’t resist the temptation of asking the question of whether England’s superpowers are consigned to mediocrity, at least for the time being.