EUROPEAN FOOTBALL

Arsenal 0-0 Manchester United: Player Ratings and MOM

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Manchester United were held at the Emirates Stadium by Arsenal in a 0-0 stalemate. It was the perfect game for United to make an impact after the shocking defeat against Sheffield United. But they failed to do so.

The game might have ended goalless, but it was definitely entertaining. It was an evening where both the teams showcased their counter-attacking and defensive skills. The scoreline should not have stayed like this, but lots and lots of missed chances made it possible.

Another day, the same old Manchester United. They are creating an embarrassing record along the way. This season, United are yet to register a win against the traditional top-6 teams. They also failed to make an impact on the title challenge as Manchester City are cruising clear on top. They are 3 points clear on top now with a game in hand.

But on the bright side, they broke an old record. United’s 18-match unbeaten away run has now surpassed the 17-match run from 1999.

Arsenal displayed a tremendous performance defensively and was looking confident more than ever. They were passing the ball effortlessly and were clearly coordinated. Arsenal also deserves a lot of praise as they had featured a weak team with their main players missing and were still able to deny a strong opposition.

Arsenal rose by a solitary position and sit 9th in the Premier League table. Although United still remain 2nd, they are likely to drop a place if Leicester City grabs the win against Leeds United.

ARSENAL PLAYER’S RATING AGAINST MANCHESTER UNITED:

BERND LENO – 7.5/10

Bernd Leno saved his team from conceding an early goal. A far corner attempt from Fred saw Leno fly and make a fingertip save. another fingertip save was made to deny Edinson Cavani from close range.

HECTOR BELLERIN -7/10

Hector Bellerin was impressive throughout. He made a few run-ins and provided great crosses. Made important interceptions along with it too.

ROB HOLDING – 7.5/10

An impressive season for the English defender with another great display added to it. He was brilliant and with David Luiz by his side, that defence was impenetrable.

DAVID LUIZ – 8.5/10 (MOTM)

The fighting spirit shown by him was outstanding. Although Hector wore the captain’s band, it was who was instilling confidence throughout the game. He was always the last man when United attacked and was solid in what he did.

CEDRIC SOARES – 7/10

He was playing at the opposite side of his preferred position. But that didn’t hamper his performance in any way. He should have been troubled by the quick-feet Marcus Rashford, but he impressively denied him.

THOMAS PARTEY – 7/10

The signing is living up to his hype. He was crucial in the attacks made by Arsenal. His passing was top-class and won back the ball with rightly timed tackles. But his performance saw a dip in the second half.

GRANIT XHAKA – 7.5/10

The Swiss international was aggressive and his commitment to winning the ball back was terrific. Unlike his midfield counterpart, he was consistent and never took a wrong foot.

NICOLAS PEPE – 7/10

Nicolas Pepe was unlucky to get on the scoresheet. He created two great chances alone which were a little shy of the post. Overall a good performance.

EMILE SMITH ROWE – 6.5/10

The youngster had an okay performance. His best contribution in the game came when he attempted a shot that forced David de Gea to make a save.

GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6/10

Gabriel Martinelli was taken off at half-time as he was not able to make the required impact. But in the time he played, he created a great chance and also read the ball brilliantly to deny Rashford from scoring.

ALEXANDRE LACAZETTE8/10

The Frenchman was great. Along with timing his runs perfectly he also lead the forward line along with mounting pressure. His freekick attempt was denied by the post by a whisker.

SUBSTITUTES:

WILLIAN – 7/10

Surprisingly created the most chances in the second half. He won plenty of fouls near the oppositions box, reminding everyone how dangerous he is once he gets into that area.

MARTIN ODEGAARD -N/A

He made his debut for Arsenal with 7 minutes remaining on the clock.

EDWARD NKETIAH – N/A

Forced substitution in the added time to replace the injured Lacazette.

MANCHESTER UNITED PLAYER RATINGS AGAINST ARSENAL:

DAVID DE GEA – 6/10

Hardly had anything to do. The only time he was tested was when Rowe took a shot. Will be pleased with the clean sheet.

AARON WAN-BISSAKA – 7.5/10

He was brilliant at what he did best. Was great in one-on situations and while tackling. He also provided some decent crosses into the box.

VICTOR LINDELOF – 8/10

Victor Lindelof displayed his best performance against Arsenal. He won all the aerial balls and was hardly went past against.

HARRY MAGUIRE – 5/10

The captain was sloppy. He was making unnecessary tackles just outside the box, making United players fall back as a whole to defend.

LUKE SHAW – 7.5/10

The left-back keeps on improving as he delivered yet another great performance. His attacking has improved a lot. He was kept busy by Pepe as both of them had the pace.

FRED – 8/10

The best player on the pitch for United along with Lindelof. His work rate was incredible as he won a lot of tackles and denied Arsenal’s counter-attacks. He came close to scoring but was brilliantly denied by Leno.

SCOTT MCTOMINAY – 6/10

He shouldn’t have eaten anything from outside. Scott was replaced in the 37th minute after he was having trouble in his gut. But he was really influential in the time he played and it was clearly visible.

PAUL POGBA – 7/10

Paul Pogba had a proper display. He was winning tackles brilliantly and his interceptions were on point. His overall distribution was perfect. But him unable to create a goal-scoring chance was missing.

BRUNO FERNANDES – 6.5/10

The Portuguese marked his 1 year period as a Red Devil but was unable to lead his team to victory. His chances created were less and he misplaced the ball many times.

MARCUS RASHFORD – 5.5/10

He was the most threatening United player in the first half. His threats in the second half were not bad, although his inability in the final third is costing a lot. He had a clear cut chance which was cleared by Marinelli because of his delay to take the shot.

EDINSON CAVANI – 5/10

He could have given United the win they were looking for but he failed to turn up. His work rate was great as always, but he missed 2 close range chances which were really disappointing given his experience.

SUBSTITUTES:

ANTHONY MARTIAL – 6/10

A little improved performance, but he has got a long way to go to prove himself. Didn’t get any chance to trouble the keeper.

MASON GREENWOOD – N/A

Came late in the game, but provided a crucial cross into the box which was wasted by Cavani.

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