Arsenal bounced back from some shaky form by putting United to the sword. Here are the talking points from Arsenal Vs Manchester United.
It was an important match-up for both sides, who were ready to drop bombs.
Ready to drop bombs. pic.twitter.com/aw8oFm4sqv
— Brenzie (@Brenzie) October 4, 2015
United were looking to cement their position at the top of the table, while Arsenal attempted to keep pace with both Manchester sides at the top of the table. Arsenal in particular needed a good result, with their horrendous Champions League exploits adding to the club’s turmoil.
“£5billion and what do we get? £64 a ticket.” Twenty’s Plenty. pic.twitter.com/3u46BhAQ2g — Squawka Football (@Squawka) October 4, 2015
With three goals in his first three games with United, it was left to young Anthony Martial to try and compound Arsenal’s misery.
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Starting Teams:
Manchester United XI: De Gea; Young, Smalling, Blind, Darmian; Carrick, Schweinsteiger; Mata, Rooney, Depay; Martial.
Arsenal XI: Cech; Bellerin, Mertesacker, Gabriel, Monreal; Coquelin, Cazorla; Ramsey, Ozil, Sanchez; Walcott.
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Talking Points:
Everything’s coming up Wenger
“We want pace, we want to stop them counter-attacking… all the ingredients must be right.”
Arsene certainly served up a treat. He’s been feeling the pressure in recent weeks – threatening to walk out of the pre-match press conference earlier in the week. Now with a commanding win under his belt, and nemesis Jose Mourinho branded the new ‘specialist in failure’, the Teflon Frenchman has a spring in his step yet again after a barnstorming 3-0 win.
Mourinho The New Specialist In Failure. Brilliant pic.twitter.com/Fl08hU2lPI
— Arsenal FC (@FFArsenal) October 4, 2015
If Arsene Wenger lost his next 100 games as Arsenal manager, he would still have the best win % of any manager in the club’s history. #AFC — Kevin Palmer (@kpsundayworld) October 3, 2015
Truthfully, it’s all down to the players – Mesut Ozil for his part grabbed his first goal in the Premier League since April, ending a goalless run of 1186 minutes. (Via Reddit user Camaradona)
This is why most neutral fans love watching Arsenal play. When they are on top of their game, Arsenal play the game in a fantastic manner.
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Race Pace
The prospect of the duo of Carrick and Schweinsteiger against the pace of Arsenal worried many United fans, and their fears were very much realised as Arsenal – in a bombastic blitz – scored two goals in sixty seconds early on. Morgan Schneiderlin, who started on the bench, was conspicuous by his absence.
Bastian Schweinsteiger won just 1 of the 7 tackles he attempted in the first half vs. Arsenal. Off the pace. pic.twitter.com/OgRY5iMAMC — Squawka Football (@Squawka) October 4, 2015
Conversely, the likes of Ashley Young and Memphis couldn’t take advantage of the glacial pace of Per Mertesacker, and so was reflected in the scoreline.
Mata & De Gea doing the old buddies act in the tunnel with Monreal & Cazorla. Times change, but I prefer the Keane & Vieira approach … — Sam Wallace (@SamWallaceIndy) October 4, 2015
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Alexis FC
This is often the go-to refrain for Arsenal decriers. Alexis Sanchez has now been involved in seven goals in his last three games for Arsenal in all competitions – a stellar return to form. The Chilean’s performance was something to behold.
On this occasion though, he was ably assisted by the precociously talented trio of Ozil, Walcott and Ramsey, who tore United to shreds at will in the opening stanza. The secret to Walcott’s two assists? Gunnersaurus.
Alexis Sanchez playing at Man Utd’s funeral… https://t.co/2jUfoxzLXG
— Uber Football Facts (@UberFootbalI) October 4, 2015
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The Philosophy is nowhere near Gospel
@ManUtd Luke Shaw didn’t die for this — gus bradmeh (@med11n) October 4, 2015
No Premier League side had conceded fewer league goals (five) so far this season than Man United prior to the clash. At second in the table, the Old Trafford outfit finally looked to have found their feet.
Today, United didn’t register a single shot in the opening 30 minutes.
Shit happens — Memphis (@Memphis) January 13, 2012
Depay and Darmian went off at half time, Valencia and Fellaini came on as Rooney moved to the left wing. Rooney looked to be asleep. Santi Cazorla and co. often came deep to collect the ball, and Rooney left them to it – forcing Schweinsteiger out of position.
Frustrating to watch, for sure.
His languid disposition echoed the team’s performance. Like throwing a punch in a dream, United never stood a chance.
Louis van Gaal and crew should take heart from the fact that it was one League match, and that they still maintain a top three spot. It could be worse; they could be Chelsea.
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Martial Law will define United’s season
That’s a huge notebook Van Gaal has got to simply write ‘Give the ball to Martial’. — Giggs boson (@giggs_boson) October 4, 2015
When a 19-year-old signs for a big club, it’s usually the case that they occupy the fringe or go out on loan (Chelsea: Sturridge/Lukaku, et. al). Anthony Martial, though, has found himself thrust into the coalface at United as the most expensive teenager ever.
Deployed as the front man today – even ahead of captain Wayne Rooney – Martial’s contribution this season will, extraordinarily, define the Red Devil’s fortunes. His impressive start has now taken on far more significance with Rooney’s apparent decline.
No pressure, kid.
Read More About: Alexis Sanchez, anthony martial, Arsenal, Arsene Wenger, bpl, english premier league, Man United, Man Utd, manchester united news, mesut ozil, premier league news, Talking Points, theo walcott, Top Story, Wayne Rooney