Analysis: Manchester United 2 Arsenal 1

Premier League, Saturday 3^rd November 2012

A 2-1 scoreline fails to give justice to the ease with which Manchester United disposed of Arsenal in their first game of November. A largely comfortable performance was set on its way by an early Robin van Persie goal before Patrice Evra consolidated the lead in the second half. Arsenal’s goal with the last kick of the game was irrelevant to all but goal difference, and United should’ve in fact won by more. Here’s some analysis:

Defensive Shape

This fixture was certainly not the gargantuan battle of old, and United’s excellent defensive shape contributed to dismantling any Arsenal threat. Wayne Rooney was the epitome of discipline as he stuck to Mikel Arteta throughout the game, barely giving a Spaniard an inch to play in. By immediately stifling the heartbeat of Arsenal’s midfield, United had already won half the battle.

Behind Rooney, Tom Cleverley and Michael Carrick worked like beavers to prevent any creative threat from the inherently dangerous Santi Cazorla and Jack Wilshere. Whilst Carrick and Cleverley failed to offer their usual high standard of passing, their defensive positioning and work-rate was key to inhibiting Arsenal’s creativity. United’s back four was also on top form, with Evans in particular winning key duels high up the pitch. The one moment of weakness for United defensively was the sloppy manner in which they failed to clear the ball before conceding late on, but overall this was a disciplined and effective defensive performance that blunted Arsenal.

In-form players

Robin van Persie, Anderson, Wayne Rooney, Rafael and Jonny Evans can all stake a claim to be Manchester United’s most in-form player. It is van Persie and Anderson that particularly caught the eye against Arsenal however. The latter, coming on as a second-half substitute, showed the same spark and innovative quality that he worried Chelsea with in the week. As Sir Alex Ferguson commented, Anderson provided a ‘threat in behind’ the Arsenal midfield. The Brazilian certainly has an ability to inject verve and drive to a deep-lying centre midfield as he showed in this game.

Robin van Persie scored his 10^th goal of the season against Arsenal as he also demonstrated his immense value to this United side. His movement in the forward area was startlingly good and on several occasions this could have led to more goals had the offside flag not be raised, or in one particular move had he been aware of the time and space he had created for himself. His finishing ability, movement, and strength on the ball are all fantastic assets for United’s forward play, and they also provide a platform for Wayne Rooney to be at his dangerous best.

 

Going Forward

This game was positive in terms of the shape of the side and the ease of the victory. United were however at times sloppy in possession, and in particular the wide players offered little of their threatening potential. The Red Devils will get sterner tests than this Arsenal side, but no doubt will raise their game accordingly. For now though, for the first time this season, United sit pretty on the top of the league-a beautiful site.

Ratings

[4-4-1-1]: De Gea-7, Rafael-7, Ferdinand-7, Evans-8, Evra-7, Valencia-5, Carrick-6, Cleverley-6, Young-6, Rooney-7, van Persie-8*

(Anderson-8, Nani-6)

*Man of the match