3 Talking Points From Arsenal 1-2 Manchester United: Rooney Is Arsenal’s Villain

Arsenal 1-2 Manchester United: 3 Talking Points

An own goal from Kieran Gibbs and a goal from Wayne Rooney was enough for Louis Van Gaal’s side to claim all three points at the Emirates. Olivier Giroud’s stoppage time goal was nothing more than a mere consolation for the Gunners who got off to their worst start in 32 years.

Here are the major talking points from the game.

1. De Gea holds United’s defence together

Over the next few days, all the attention will almost certainly be on Rooney and Van Gaal for masterminding their 11th win in their last 15 games against the Gunners. But if there was one major reason for the victory, aside from profligate finishing from the home side, it was David De Gea.

After all, It was only a week ago that the Spaniard was ruled out of the Spain squad with a dislocated finger and many feared that he might not be back in time for the game against Arsenal. The Spanish shot-stopper has been the only constant in the side’s ever-changing defence and it would’ve been a body blow to their chances had he been out for the game. As it was, he was fit and he put in a blinding performance which kept his side in the game for long enough to help the attackers click into gear. The 24-year-old helped weather the storm early in the first half and as the game wore on, his confidence transferred onto his defence, which stood firm, a stark contrast to the opening exchanges when it looked as though they concede quite a few. Although he didn’t get the clean sheet that his performance deserved, he will still be pleased with helping his team notch up their first away win of the season.

2. Arsenal’s lack of game management proves costly

Arsenal fans have certainly been patient so far this season, both with Wenger and the players, but if they continue in this fashion, then their patience might just run out very quickly. They say that to err is human. While that is certainly committing the same mistakes over and over again, without learning from it is certainly criminal and Arsenal have been guilty of that far too often this season.

While it is true that the club have been decimated by injuries, there is certainly no excuse for going all gung-ho when you are chasing the game. While it was important to get a goal back, the Gunners just left themselves exposed far too often against a United side whose main strengths were in attack. At times, it was two against two at the back, with the rest pushed forward in attack. As good as Giroud’s goal was, no one can deny the fact that the home side could have very well lost the game 3-0 or 4-0. Not only did they not take their chances in the first half, but also showed a striking lack of discipline while defending. That was in complete contrast to United, who even without several key defenders, showed desire and discipline can get you through the line.

3. Rooney is Arsenal’s villain… again

Robin Van Persie and Danny Welbeck might have been facing their former clubs, but before the game all the attention was on Rooney. The Manchester United and England skipper came into the game having scored three goals in his last two games, that coupled with his penchant for scoring against the Gunners meant that the home side had to be on their toes if they had to stop from scoring.

So far this season, defensive injuries have meant that Rooney has had to sacrifice himself for the good of the team and against Arsenal it started in the same manner as well. In the first half, the 29-year-old was man-marking Mikel Arteta and ensuring that the Spaniard didn’t orchestrate the tempo of the game. But in the second half, as the visitors came into the game, their talisman made all the difference. After playing a vital part in the first, Rooney scored his first of the game and became the leading goal scorer against Arsenal in the Premier League with 11. Such is his quality that the striker was able to not only man-mark Arteta in the first half but also seamless turn into the side’s playmaker in the second. If Van Gaal can keep his captain fit, then they can finally win a run of games.