Manchester United keeper David de Gea produced a superb display in the 2-1 win at Arsenal on Saturday
Manchester United’s 2-1 victory away at Arsenal yesterday was almost a flashback to the Sir Alex Ferguson teams of the past.
Despite the home team dominating possession and having more attempts on goal, United emerged with maximum points courtesy of hitting the Gunners on the counter-attack.
Behind
In the first half Arsenal probably should have been out of sight with the amount of chances they created.
However, a slice of luck and a fantastic goalkeeping display from Spanish keeper David de Gea somehow took the Red Devils in level at half-time.
Counter-attack
Towards the end of the first half United started to look more threatening going forward. The likes of Wayne Rooney and Angel Di Maria got more involved in the second period. The first goal may have required a huge slice of luck, but the pair combined well for the second goal and were dangerous on the counter-attack.
Di Maria could have had a second goal on the counter after Rooney had found the Argentinian. Unfortunately for the Red Devils the former-Real star ran half the length of the pitch, only to chip the ball wide of goal.
United teams under Sir Ferguson had a habit of holding on in big games and then taking their chances on the counter when they got them, and that is exactly what happened in yesterday’s game. Di Maria and Rooney are the perfect players to play in that counter-attacking style.
Outstanding
Both teams went into this fixture with a lot of players out injured, but it was arguably United’s inexperienced backline that looked to be the most vulnerable prior to kick-off. Arsenal created lots of chances in the first half and probably should have scored when on top.
One of the key factors in the Gunners keeping a clean sheet until injury-time was David de Gea. The young Spaniard had his critics in the first year or so of his United career, but this season he is starting to show real class.
The former-Atletico Madrid keeper made eight saves, despite the fact that he was an injury doubt for the game. If it was not for De Gea’s performance then United probably would not have won this game.
United had a lot of defensive injuries with Chris Smalling playing alongside Paddy McNair and Kyle Blackett in a back three. Smalling has had his injury problems throughout his career and has at times been on the end of heavy criticism.
However, the England international deserves credit for his performance at the Emirates, as he guided his younger teammates through the game. Arsenal may have had a lot of chances, but that had to be expected with such inexperienced centre-backs in that back three.
Smalling has reportedly attracted the interest of Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger and this performance will have only added to the Frenchman’s admiration for the centre-back.
Form
Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has suddenly regained his form. Three goals in two international games and now another goal against Arsenal has given the 29-year-old a massive confidence lift.
Rooney had endured an inconsistent start to the season and the England captain will be delighted that his form has improved in recent games. His combination play with Angel Di Maria could be a key to United being successful in the next few seasons.
Top Four
The win at Arsenal took the Red Devils back into the top four of the Premier League table and everybody connected with the club will be hoping the team can now find consistent form and push even higher up the table.
Brighter
Louis van Gaal was always a secure choice for Manchester United. The veteran Dutchman has won everything there is to win in European football. He is very much a winner and it seems despite the team’s injury problems things are starting to come together for Van Gaal and Manchester United.
Manchester United need to move forward this season under Van Gaal and the signs are that the only way is up for the Red Devils under the Dutchman.
Could win at Arsenal be a big moment for Manchester United?
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