Full Time: Manchester United 2-1 Arsenal
Arsenal’s away woes continued as Arsene Wenger continued his search for their first away win of 2018. On the day that Sir Alex Ferguson paid tribute to the experienced Arsenal manager, it became more and more apparent why he is leaving Arsenal for pastures new.
Man United laboured to victory in the end as they went route one in the last ten minutes but eventually, the tactic paid dividends and they got their reward in what was, truthfully, a poor game.
Paul Pogba opened the scoring for United before Mkhitaryan equalised for Arsenal. However, Fellaini got a late header on target which Ospina couldn’t keep out and that sealed the deal for Manchester United.
Man United Player Ratings
David De Gea – 6.5/10
De Gea made two good saves to keep his side in the game but neither of them was hard for a keeper of his quality. Wasn’t challenged too much.
Antonio Valencia – 6.5/10
Didn’t do too much during the game and just went about his normal routine in the right-back position. Only made one tackle all game.
Chris Smalling – 7/10
The centre-back didn’t have that much to do. Controlled his defence well and recycled possession at the back.
Victor Lindelof – 7/10
The 23-year-old also had a quiet game for Man United. He tackled well when necessary and dealt with the Arsenal attack well.
Ashley Young – 7.5/10
Young had an excellent game at left-back and got forward very well to stretch the Arsenal back line. He got a deserved assist for his team.
Paul Pogba – 8.5/10
The classy midfielder had a fantastic game today. He scored an important goal and ran the midfield for Man United.
Nemanja Matic – 7.5/10
Did what he needed to in the middle of the park. Broke up the play and passed the ball around well.
Ander Herrera – 6.5/10
Herrera did not have the best of games today and Mourinho will be demanding more of him in his next performance.
Alexis Sanchez – 6.5/10
Another disappointing performance from the Chilean against his old club. Just didn’t look at the races and was unsuccessful in almost everything he tried.
Jesse Lingard – 6/10
A very average performance from the attacking midfielder. He will be looking to improve in the last few games.
Romelu Lukaku – 6.5/10
None of Man United’s attackers really seemed to be at the races today and Lukaku epitomised this. Could’ve got on the scoresheet a couple of times but nothing really came off today.
Substitutes
Marcus Rashford – 7/10
Replaced Lukaku in the 49th minute and looked a lot more threatening up front. Had a couple of good chances in the second half.
Anthony Martial – 6.5/10
Another attacking change for Mourinho, he replaced Herrera in the 63rd minute.
Marouane Fellaini – 8/10
Replaced Lingard in the 63rd minute and this coincided with a change in tactics for Man United. They started to throw long balls towards him and in the 90th minute, this paid off! He made himself a handful for those Arsenal defenders, with his strength and heading ability.