Manchester United keep up their winless streak at home in the Premier League this season with a dismal loss to Arsenal last night. Pierre Emerick Aubameyang was the lone scorer in the game from the penalty spot, with Pogba giving the penalty away. The likes of Fred Bruno Fernandes and Rashford had poor games as well, as the Red Devils were simply outplayed by the Gunners.
Solskjaer went for a midfield diamond of Bruno Fernandes, Pogba, McTominay and Fred, which raised eyebrows as Matic wasn’t included. Going for a midfield diamond against a back-three and the absence of Matic from the starting lineup went on to haunt Manchester United. It was Arsenal who dominated the proceedings, as the Red Devils simple could not hold the ball and string passes together.
As the half went on both sides became better but it was Arsenal who was asking more questions to the United defence, especially with the wing-backs. The likes of Partey and Elneny dominated Pogba, Bruno and Fred, as none of the midfielders had a good game. Arteta surely won the tactical battle as Solskjaer got it wrong playing the diamond against attacking wing-backs.
The first half was dull as both sides barely threatened each other’s goals, but Arsenal has the lions’ share of possession. As the second half started, Manchester United looked better with the passing and the movement. But Pogba and Fernandes were poor in possession and failed to create anything for Greenwood and Rashford. Fred was even worse as his poor touch and the passing range was found out by Arsenal.
The selection of McTominay and Fred in the wrong positions helped Arsenal as both the players looked clueless last night. McTominay should have been taken off soon but as the second half progressed, Arsenal dominated. Paul Pogba conceded a silly penalty, which compounded his problems and United’s as Aubameyang scored from the resulting penalty.
Solskjaer made some poor decisions as he took off Bruno Fernandes and Fred for Van de Beek and Matic. The changes barely changed anything as Arsenal kept the pressure up and United couldn’t come out of the back with any real vigour. The game ended with the same scoreline as the players were poor last night and the manager is also to question because of the tactics.
