Arsenal vs Man United: Player Ratings

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  • Arsenal put themselves back in the race for a Champions League spot after defeating Manchester United 2-0 on Sunday. Arsene Wenger finally got the better of Jose Mourinho as Liverpool were held to a 0-0 draw by Southampton.

    Wenger had failed to win any of his previous 14 competitive clashes against Mourinho dating back to 2004. The Portuguese was undone this time though thanks to goals from Granit Xhaka and Danny Welbeck.

    Here, we look at how players on both sides performed.

    ARSENAL

    GK – PETR CECH – 7/10

    Made a number of good saves particularly against Anthony Martial and then Wayne Rooney in the first half.

    CB – ROB HOLDING – 6/10

    Fits into the three-man defence with ease. Was composed and dealt with the threat of Mkhitaryan when called upon.

    CB – LAURENT KOSCIELNY – 7/10

    Led the back-line superbly. Made eight clearances, twice as many as any other Arsenal defender.

    CB – NACHO MONREAL – 5/10

    A couple of edgy moments when troubled by Martial.

    LWB – KIERAN GIBBS – 7/10

    Enjoyed the freedom to join the attack on a regular basis while tracking back expertly. No joy for Juan Mata.

    CM – GRANIT XHAKA – 7/10

    A very fortuitous goal but one that changed the game. He was heavily involved in midfield apart from that though, making the most passes.

    CM – AARON RAMSEY – 7/10

    A good box-to-box display. Produced a world class save from David de Gea in the first half.

    RWB – ALEX OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN – 8/10

    The way he’s playing at right wing-back, Antonio Conte might be interested if he needs an alternative to Victor Moses. Two assists, the second a perfect cross.

    AM – MESUT OZIL – 6/10

    Far from inspiring but did alright. Made a few good passes without troubling United too much.

    AM – ALEXIS SANCHEZ – 6/10

    Full marks for effort but didn’t get much of a look in with Alex Tuanzebe keeping him on a short leash. The best battle of the game.

    ST – DANNY WELBECK – 7/10

    Hit the back of the net when it mattered, albeit from point-blank range. Led the line well.

    SUBS:

    HECTOR BELLERIN – N/A

    Late substitute for Oxlade-Chamberlain.

    FRANCIS COQUELIN – 6/10

    Came on for the last 15 minutes and contributed to Arsenal’s stubborn resilience to see out a 2-0 win.

    OLIVIER GIROUD – N/A

    Late substitute for Welbeck.

    MANCHESTER UNITED

    GK – DAVID DE GEA – 6/10

    Can’t be blamed for either goal. Denied Ramsey with a superb save early on and went on to make a few smart saves.

    RB – ALEX TUANZEBE – 7/10

    The debutant was in fine form and United’s best player on the pitch. He managed to contain Sanchez and made five tackles and three interceptions.

    CB – CHRIS SMALLING – 5/10

    Struggled through the game. Should’ve marked Welbeck more closely and denied him a header for the second goal.

    CB – PHIL JONES – 6/10

    Made a series of fine tackles and clearances. Made a vital block as well but lacked discipline with his positioning.

    LB – MATTEO DARMIAN – 5/10

    Could’ve done better to prevent the cross for the second goal. Most disappointing though was his complete lack of desire to go forward.

    CM – MICHAEL CARRICK – 6/10

    Made more passes (77) than anyone else on the pitch with a success rate of 91%. He made the most interceptions among the United players as well (4) but his lack of mobility was a problem as opponents ran past too easily at times.

    CM – ANDER HERRERA – 6/10

    Unfortunate to have had the ball deflect off him and into the goal. Was industrious as ever and made some good tackles.

    AM – WAYNE ROONEY – 5/10

    The skipper had a total of six shots but troubled Cech only twice. Really should’ve put United ahead with only the keeper to beat in the 32nd minute.

    RW – JUAN MATA – 6/10

    Unable to make an impact on the game. His passing was good and tracked back when needed though.

    ST – ANTHONY MARTIAL – 6/10

    Always a threat but couldn’t quite do the damage. His pace caused problems and forced Cech into a good save early on.

    LW – HENRIKH MKHITARYAN – 5/10

    Was a peripheral figure throughout.

    SUBS: 

    JESSE LINGARD – 5/10

    Started brightly but couldn’t get into the game enough.

    MARCUS RASHFORD – 6/A

    Came on in the 63rd minute and looked lively. Tried to do too much on his own though.

    SCOTT MCTOMINAY – N/A

    Came on as a late substitute for Juan Mata.

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