Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho had made it clear prior to the trip at Arsenal that United would place a second string side and will have eyes fixed on Europa League. The game at Arsenal had lost its importance in the league and United’s defensive mentality was breached in the second half during the game.
Arsenal maintained a firm grip, punished the reds twice and Wenger notched his first win over Jose Mourinho. A hard fought evening yielded no result for the Reds from Manchester and here’s how they’ve been rated after a defeat at the Emirates:-
1) GK: David De Gea – 8/10
Made two stunning saves to deny Ramsey and Chamberlain in the first half and he was the reason United conceded lesser than what they were supposed to. Couldn’t do anything regarding the goals from Xhaka and Welbeck.
2) RB: Axel Taunzebe – 8/10
Won the duel of the day and arguably one of the biggest in his career versus Sanchez. Physically he was strong, tackling wise precise and reliable with feet. Great debut in terms of individual effect.
3) CB: Chris Smalling – 5/10
Poor enough to leave Welbeck out of sight and get his position wrong as United conceded the second which killed the game. Rusty but not a horrible return after an injury considering he played the entire length of the game.
4) CB: Phil Jones – 6.5/10
He found himself to be in the thick of it with wave after wave of Arsenal attacks and he dealt with the majority of them bravely. He’s a different class when he’s fit and United would seriously hope he lasts without a scratch till the end. A solid return.
5) LB: Matteo Darmian – 6/10
Kept Ozil in check but he let Ox cause him problems.
6) CM: Ander Herrera – 4/10
He really had a bad game today with nothing absolutely going his way. Not passing and neither interceptions.
7) CM: Michael Carrick – 5.5/10
Notable contributions were to pass the ball around and dictate the flow but he found himself to be a lot involved defensively and Ramsey caused him major problems. Not really the best of games for the veteran.
8) CAM: Wayne Rooney – 3/10
Didn’t have the awareness and let a major chance go after Holding’s poor pass. Also, his shots were dreadful and couldn’t exercise control over proceedings.
9) LM: Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 4.5/10
Hardly got enough space to work his way around and he contributed nothing absolutely.
10) RM: Juan Mata – 5.5/10
Worked his way around well and tried to tie up the things and penetrate but the end product never really came from the team. Good to see he’s back to full fitness.
11) FW: Anthony Martial – 4/10
Couldn’t get the better of Arsenal’s defence and struggled absolutely with his dribbling or to keep within the offside line. Woeful.
