Manchester United 1 – 2 Arsenal Player Ratings by KJ
Szczesny – 6
He was pretty shaky for the entire game with a lot of iffy moments including some poor kicks from the back that put us under a lot of pressure.
Bellerin – 5.5
He was poor for the entire game with him picking up a yellow extremely early. He was almost sent off in the second half and was promptly substituted before he was eventually given his marching orders by Oliver.
Mertesacker – 8
He was very strong today. He started off a bit nervous but grew into the game and pressed and passed well for the entire game.
Koscielny – 7.5
He didn’t do well enough for United’s goal but did defend well afterwards and did a lot of work to contain the threat of Fellaini and Rooney.
Monreal – 8.5 (MOTM)
He was phenomenal today both offensively and defensively. He scored the opening goal which was massively important as well as ensuring that Valencia and Di Maria couldn’t do much in terms of overlapping play.
Coquelin – 8
This was a top quality performance from a rising player in our ranks. He controlled the game in central midfield with United only really making chances with crosses from out wide. He also managed to win 10 out of his 12 duels against Fellaini showing the total midfield domination.
Cazorla – 7.5
He was equally good at moving the ball forwards as well as making crucial tackles. He kept the ball in intelligent positions and could’ve had a goal had De Gea not made a wonder save.
Oxlade-Chamberlain – 7.5
The Englishman provided a great outlet on the counter with his pace and he was the sole orchestrator for Monreal’s goal with his amazing dribbling. It’s a shame he had to go off early for injury and I hope it’s nothing serious.
Özil – 7.5
His control of the game in the second half was sublime. He continued to press United when they were weaker and his weight of pass always put them under immense pressure.
Alexis – 6.5
He was energetic as usual and provided a lot of pressing from the front but he dawdled on the ball far too much for my liking and was predictable. Even then, he almost scored at the end showing how good he is even when average.
Welbeck – 7.5
He worked his socks off for the team today. It was smart play by the Englishman in the second half where he relentlessly pressed United’s CBs until they eventually made the mistake that lead to the goal. That wasn’t by accident. He could see they were struggling to play out of the back and if he pressed them enough, they’d make a mistake.
Subs:
Ramsey – 7.5
He came on and really calmed the game down for us. He ensured that we kept possession and were dangerous on the counter.
Chambers – 7
He was subbed on because Bellerin was about to get sent off and he played a composed game with good physicality to ensure Utd never built up a head of steam.
Giroud – 7
Came on for Welbeck and was immediately in the thick of the action with a good pass that led to a Cazorla shot that was magnificently saved by De Gea.
Kash
VIDEO – Danny Welbeck’s winning goal at Old Trafford