Arsenal rattled Manchester United at the Emirates in a game filled with almost half a dozen VAR checks. The Gunners now have emerged as winners in back-to-back games against Chelsea and Manchester United. A 3-1 win helped the North Londoners boost their top four hopes and dent United’s. Here are Arsenal player ratings from their uplifting win.
Arsenal opened the scoring right in the 3rd minute through Nuno Tavares. A low-cross from Granit Xhaka was dealt awkwardly by both Raphael Varane and Alexis Telles. The ball fell to Bukayo Saka who had all the time in the world to place his shot. However, De Gea was equally good as he saved the effort, but couldn’t keep out the rebound. Tavares had an open goal to slot in and put Arsenal ahead.
Both sides missed golden opportunities as Diogo Dalot hit the woodwork and Nketiah failed to convert from a one-on-one situation.
However, the game offered enough drama. Arsenal scored through Nketiah on the half hour mark while Saka was sustained a challenge from Telles in the box in the process. VAR review ruled out Nketiah’s goal, but awarded Arsenal a penalty for Telles’ foul. Bukayo Saka legitimately made in 2-0 from the spot. But Manchester United responded real quick this time with Ronaldo pulling one back from a Matic cross.
Tavares almost went from hero to zero after conceding a penalty in the 55th minute. To everybody’s surprise, Bruno Fernandes stepped up, and missed. Ronaldo then scored minutes later, only to be adjudged off-side by the VAR. But we were treated to a Xhaka-boom out of nowhere. The midfielder received the ball outside the United penalty box, and he did what he does best. A lightening strike to restore Arsenal’s two goal advantage. The Arsenal player ratings a re as follows..
Arsenal player ratings: Defence
Aaron Ramsdale- 8/10
Four exceptional saves to keep out United attackers. Couldn’t do much about the goal as his defenders let him down.
Cedric Soares- 6/10
A decent game for the right-back. However, contributed more to defence than attack.
Ben White- 6/10
Ben White has seen a dip in his form in recent games. The same continued here, but did just enough to keep United at bay,
Gabriel- 7/10
Big game from White’s partner. Imposed his physical dominance winning 4 out of 5 duels contested, Tracked the runs of United attackers and refused to give up.
Nuno Tavares- 7/10
A wild game for the left-back. Opened the scoring in the 3rd minute, and kept pushing forward receiving the ball in the right areas. However, conceded a penalty through a naive handball only for Fernandes to miss. But could have given another one after a challenge on Elanga from back.
Midfield
Mohamed Elneny- 8/10
Elneny continued his purple patch which he hit against Chelsea. Swept the midfield for Arsenal winning 100% of his tackles and aerial duels.
Martin Odegaard- 7/10
Scintillating display. Martin Odegaard is back with his silky touches and cheeky passes. Led the Arsenal attacks fiercely as his smart ball to Saka in dangerous position resulted in the Gunners winning a penalty.
Granit Xhaka- 8/10
The midfielder just loves scoring bangers against Manchester United. Apart from the goal, decent contribution in attack as well with 2 accurate crosses and 3 long-balls. Moreover, Xhaka completed a successful pass rate of 96%, the highest among Arsenal players.
Attack
Bukayo Saka- 9/10
The academy boy is easily wins our highest ratings among the Arsenal players. Proved to be a menace for Alexis Telles. Won a penalty, and buried it to make it 2 in 2. A massive 5 shots to his name as well.
Eddie Nketiah- 6/10
A bit of a downgrade on his display from Chelsea game. Missed a sitter, but was constantly involved in attacking build-ups. Scored only for being adjudged off-side.
Emile Smith Rowe- 6/10
Not the performance he would have wanted after a good game against Chelsea. Offered a little in the attack, and taken-off in the 64th minute.
Substitutes
Gabriel Martinelli- 5/10
Replaced Smith Rowe in the 64th minute. Disappointing from the talented winger. Just 7 touches in half and hour’s football. Sadly, receives lowest ratings as compared to his Arsenal teammates.
Rob Holding- 6/10
Replaced Saka in the 74th minute. Did his job of keeping things quiet at the back.
Takehiro Tomiyasu- N/A
Replaced Cedric in the 90th minute.
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