MATCH REVIEW - ARSENAL VS MANCHESTER UNITED

The crucial fixture ended up in a 0-0 draw.

The Red Devils failed to open the score sheet and ended up to a goalless draw against Arsenal. The fixture was hyped to be a big encounter. The Gunners had lost just one game in January and were expected to give United a tough fight at the Emirates. On the other hand, Manchester United were in spectacular form weeks before establishing themselves as heavyweights in the title race before a shocking defeat against relegation-threatened Sheffield United. This match left so many questions for both the sides.

Match Overview

 Granit Xhaka and Marcus Rashford battling for the ball

The match kicked off in a classy manner with Manchester United wearing the Black away kit and Arsenal in their classic home jersey. In the starting few minutes both sides seemed fighting hard for possession. Luke Shaw started off with some speedy runs in the game. In the 16', Martinelli got the ball and passed it over to the French #9 Lacazette. He created some space and took a shot from 20 yards out. De Gea made an easy save as Arsenal registered the first major chance of the game. 4 minutes thereafter, Shaw's corner was cleared by Arsenal but only as far as Fred. Fred took the shot from the edge of the box which called for a great save from Bernd Leno. 

Bruno Fernandes Taking The Free kick

In the first half an hour, Nicolas Pepe threatened the United Defense with some mazy runs and 2 warning shots close enough to suggest he was a threat. The second half was about to end with the scoresheet still nil from both sides. Just minutes before the halftime whistle, Thomas Partey fouled Bruno Fernandes outside the box which gazed a big hope for the Red Devils. The referee awarded a free kick in favor of United. Bruno Fernandes stepped up to take the kick but ended up hitting on the Arsenal's wall.

Luke Shaw And Bernd Leno After the Match

As the second half started, Manchester United showed more composure on the field for the goal with Edinson Cavani and Anthony Martial finding spaces. Lacazette took a free kick in the 65' which clattered off the underside of the bar. This was by far the closest chance in the game. With the match about to end in less than 2 minutes, Cavani took an acrobatic shot from a Wan-Bisakka cross which ended up going off target. This was his second shot big chance missed in the game.

Tactics Review

Bruno Fernandes and David Luiz

The match itself picturized that the club hasn't yet figured the muddles after their fresh defeat against Sheffield United. The defense itself is lacking in various manners, somehow in the match, we survived. Whenever Arsenal's forward line was stepping up for the attack there were clear spaces seen at the Red Devil's backline which seemed quite threatening sometimes.

Paul Pogba And Alexandre Lacazette in a duel

Another concern in the match was United's finishing and wide space availability for the forward line. We saw how Marcus Rashford found the ball inside the box in the first half and was surrounded by Arsenal's defense. He didn't have any options whether to shoot or pass as there wasn't anyone around for the support and Edinson Cavani didn't perform upto mark as well.

Challenges Ahead

Ole Must find a way back

The last few days have been tough for Ole and his men. Being one of the top contenders, they really need to step up the game if they want to have any serious chances of winning the league. They're still second in the premier league, City remain at the top right now.

United's next fixtures will be against Southampton and Everton both being at home, Fans will be delighted to see their team getting back to winning ways.