Arsenal were eventually undone by a typically scruffy Marouane Fellaini goal – but there was enough in this performance to give the Gunners’ new boss, whomever may that be, hope for the future despite the 2-1 defeat to Manchester United.
Midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles stood out in a youthful Arsenal side at Old Trafford, where Henrikh Mkhitaryan returned to trouble his former side.
Here are our ratings…
STARTING XI
David Ospina – For all of United’s dominance, save for a few crosses there was very little for the Colombian to do. 6
Hector Bellerin – Showered with praise by Arsenal fans just for his spectacular block on Sanchez’s goal-bound header. Couldn’t save the goal, but defended well and raided down right. 8
Calum Chambers – The ‘senior’ centre-back looked far better than Mustafi – and that’s all Wenger could ask. Protected Arsenal’s box stoically. 7
Konstantinos Mavropanos – Unsurprisingly had a few ropy moments, but gained composure as game went on. Not bad for a debutant at Old Trafford. 6
Sead Kolasinac – Yet another injury for the Bosnian saw him withdrawn on the hour. Is he just not robust enough for the Premier League? 6
Ainsley Maitland-Niles – The likes of Pogba and Matic refused to grab the game by its neck, so the 20-year-old did. Full of energy and intent. 8
Grant Xhaka – Won the ball that led to Mkhitaryan’s equaliser, made his presence felt without being rash and was tidy with possession. 7
Henrikh Mkhitaryan – Produced on a stage where so often it went wrong in a United shirt. Wonderful finish, and a constant threat on the run. 8
Alex Iwobi – On an afternoon that many Gunners youngsters excelled, Iwobi failed to stand out. Hard to imagine him as big part of Arsenal’s future. 5
Reiss Nelson – The 18-year-old needs refinement – and to show more than just pace – but a few neat touches off-set the head-scratching-moments. 6
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – Though he ran the channels diligently, never received the service. A frustrating afternoon yet again on the road. 5
SUBSTITUTES
Nacho Monreal – One of Arsenal’s better players this year, defended dutifully for half an hour as United tried and failed to unpick the lock. 7
Danny Welbeck – Popped up at various points – in defence. Would have enjoyed this backs-to-the-wall cameo at his old haunt. 6
Joe Willock – With one eye on the Europa league, Mkhitaryan was preserved with 15 minutes to go. Young Willock made one eye-catching, driving run. 6
