Manchester United defeated Arsenal by a 3-2 scoreline in an exciting Premier League encounter on Friday. Two goals from Cristiano Ronaldo proved to be the biggest talking point as it decided the fate of the match.
Arsenal’s scorers Smith-Rowe and Martin Ødegaard raised some hopes that it could be Gunner’s night but United attackers had some other plans. Some of our players were very smooth and showed great improvement whereas there were also players who were sloppy again.
Let’s rate our players:
David De Gea: 6
Was a part of the dramatic first Arsenal goal. When he raced at Martin Atkinson to challenge the goal, he was already found guilty. At 1-1, a good save was critical.
Diogo Dalot: 7
He performed admirably, and his positioning was crucial in United’s counter-attacks. Always provided an attacking outlet for United, as well as a critical pass for Cristiano Ronaldo’s score.
Victor Lindelof: 7
Often looked uneasy at set-pieces and against United’s fluidity, although there was the vital header and the defending improved as the game proceeded.
Harry Maguire: 7
At times, he stepped up to initiate the attack, and his passing between the lines was outstanding. Defended with all his might.
Alex Telles: 6
Should have stopped Gabriel from making that dangerous run that cost United the second goal. Otherwise, he had a good match.
Scott McTominay: 7
Fought hard for the ball, and the crowd was energized by his aggression. In the second half, he defended more to protect the back four.
Scott McTominay won 14 duels against Arsenal, the most by a Manchester United player in a Premier League game this season.
He also made six tackles. 💪 pic.twitter.com/2cNNfq8fg1
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) December 2, 2021
Fred: 7
Had his hand in an unfortunate incident gifting Arsenal the first goal. But other than this, the Brazilian midfielder was a true gem. His defending was world-class and his clever runs helped the team very well. He was the reason United earned the second and the third goal.
Jadon Sancho: 6
Sancho never lacked energy throughout the game, and his push into the box resulted in the equalizer and spurred United’s comeback.
Bruno Fernandes: 6
Erratic and sloppy, but he kept going and leveled just before halftime to match the scoreboard.
Bruno Fernandes has been directly involved in 79 goals in his 100 competitive appearances for Manchester United:
◉ 45 goals
◉ 34 assistsIncredible numbers. 🔢 pic.twitter.com/TUNXOFeEqQ
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) December 2, 2021
Marcus Rashford: 6
He rarely appeared happy on the right, but he showed the terrific vision to pick out Ronaldo for United’s second goal. He can do better than this.
Cristiano Ronaldo: 8
Had a poor first half but became more dangerous in the second when Aaron Ramsdale denied him a goal. But then he hit back and scored two goals to seal the game for the Red Devils.
Cristiano Ronaldo's game by numbers vs. Arsenal:
100% take-on success
38 touches
6 shots (most)
6 touches in opp. box (most)
5 duels won
4 shots on target (=most)
3 take-ons
2 goals (most)His 800th an 801st goals of his career. ⚽⚽ pic.twitter.com/fmipTMs9V2
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) December 2, 2021
Subs:
Jesse Lingard: 5
He increased the intensity of the game.
Anthony Martial: N/A
Didn’t have much time to make an impact
Donny Van de Beek: N/A
Didn’t have much time to make an impact
