Man Utd draw 2-2 against the Gunners: Red Devils better without Pogba and Lukaku, and other learnings

Manchester United and Arsenal have produced some memorable matches in the past. The rivalry between the two sides goes back ages. Starting from United ending Arsenal's 49 games unbeaten run to the Gunners winning the league beating the Red Devils. The drama and excitement that surrounded this fixture never ceased to exist.

The new and rejuvenated Arsenal, under Unai Emery, traveled to Old Trafford with an opportunity to go eleven points clear of United. Jose made some significant changes to the side, with Lukaku and Pogba dropped and Dalot getting his first Premier League start.

The new front three of Martial, Lingard, and Rashford looked active form the word go, and United was on the front foot in the first quarter of the game. However, a mistake by David De Gea, allowed Arsenal to take the lead through Shkodran Mustafi. The lead lasted for just four minutes as Antony Martial dragged United back into the game.

There were chances at either end to score, but neither managed to capitalize on it. The second 45 minutes was even better than the first. Arsenal retook the lead after Marcos Rojo gave the ball away in the midfield. However, United was level within seconds through Jesse Lingard. It's fair to say the Gunners were slightly better in the second half than the Red Devils. David De Gea made a crucial save to deny Aubameyang his twelfth goal of the campaign.

Arsenal would feel like a chance missed to win at Old Trafford after 12 years. Unai Emery's side was ahead on a couple of occasions but couldn't hold on to it.

On the other hand, Mourinho would be pleased with his side's spirit and attitude. They are still winless in four consecutive League games which are a worry for the manager.

Here are the three takeaways from the derby.

#3 United drifting further away from the top four

Before the start of December, Jose Mourinho described the Christmas period as a chance for his side to close the gap on top four. The busy Christmas schedule often makes or breaks a team.

United had a decent fixture list in December, starting with the bottom sides, Palace and Southampton. However, after a dismal show against Roy Hodgson's side at Old Trafford, United drew 2-2 away at the Saint Mary's after going 2-0 down. Those were the two winnable games, but Jose Mourinho's side collected only two points out of the possible six.

The Devils Devils were eight points behind the top four before this game. It was a match that Jose Mourinho had to win to move up the table. However, the defensive frailties again cost the Portuguese dearly, and United conceded twice in the game. The goals were the result of defensive mistakes at the back.

Manchester United remain eight points off the fourth place Chelsea and in a must-win game against Fulham in the matchday 16. After that, the travel to Anfield, where a defeat could be the final nail in the coffin for Jose Mourinho.

#2 The new chapter under Unai Emery looks promising

It's always difficult for any manager to replace someone who has been at the club for 22 years. Arsene Wenger was a legend at the Emirates. Though in the latter part of his career, many wanted to see the back of him, they didn't know what's lies next.

The appointment of Unai Emery ignited a mixture of hope and confusion among the fans. They have already witnessed, how Old Trafford has suffered after the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson and didn't want the same at the Emirates.

Emery's tenure started with two defeats against Manchester City and Chelsea, but since then, the Gunners are unbeaten in nineteen matches including the draw at Old Trafford. However, it was the Liverpool game, that made the fans optimistic about the new era under Unai Emery. That belief got stronger after a stellar performance against Spurs last time out.

Arsenal came to Old Trafford as the favorites since 2006. Pundits and fans believed that this is their best chance to get a historic win at the Theatre of Dreams. The Gunners took the lead on two occasions but couldn't hold on to their lead. Emery would see this as an opportunity missed as his side were better in most parts of the game, and should have walked away with all three points.

Emery is a tactical genius and an excellent reader of the game which has reflected in his selection and substitutions. He is not shy to take bold decisions and more often than not it had paid off. Arsenal fans would be hopeful that the new chapter looks promising and the team would only get better in years to come.

#1 United better without Pogba and Lukaku

Paul Pogba and Romelu Lukaku are two of the biggest names in Manchester United's dressing room. Pogba arrived in Manchester in Jose's first season in charge but never looked like a player who cost nearly £100 million. Lukaku, on the other hand, is struggling with form after an excellent debut season in the previous campaign.

Mourinho was forced to play a 4-3-3 formation to accommodate the Frenchman as he was struggling to do defensive duties in a 4-2-3-1 structure. However, he was still inconsistent with his performances and reportedly had a fallout with the manager. There were even rumors of Mourinho calling Pogba a virus after the game against Southampton.

Against Arsenal, Jose started with a 3-4-3 formation dropping both Paul and Romelu from the side. The Red Devils were off from the word go with the front three of Martial, Rashford, and Lingard leading the charge. Even the midfield of Herrera and Matic looked solid as compared to previous games.

The Portuguese bought on Lukaku and Pogba in the second half, but they failed to make any substantial impact. The Belgian's lack of form was again on show whereas the Frenchman's lack of confidence was apparent when he misplaced some simple passes.

It's hard to say why these big match players are not performing up to their potential. The relationship with the manager could be the reason for their downfall, but whatever it is, the Red Devils looked a much better side without them.

Edited by Jay M