After a dazzling win over the MLS All-Stars, next up for Arsenal was the renewal of the Premier League’s greatest-ever rivalry, a showdown with Manchester United. Under the bright lights of a sold-out MetLife Stadium, the two juggernauts put on a spectacle for their American fans.
In a tightly contested affair, the Red Devils would come out on top and lay down a marker for the upcoming season. Goals from Jadon Sancho and Bruno Fernandes would secure the win for Erik ten Hag’s men, leaving Mikel Arteta with a lot to ponder upon.
Here are three takeaways from Arsenal’s 2-0 loss to Manchester United.
#3 KAI HAVERTZ AS AN LCM
Much has been said about Arsenal’s £65m purchase of Kai Havertz, however, many have justified that price tag due to the German’s versatility & tactical flexibility. Tonight, against a robust Utd midfield, the 24-year-old showed his deficiencies as an #8.
More suited to the shadow striker role, Havertz looked a step behind defensively, losing out on five duels and losing possession four times. He struggled in this role, but of course, we must remember that this is his first start in an Arsenal shirt, and it will take time for him to adapt to his new teammates and what the manager demands of him.
#2 DEFENSIVE MISTAKES
In the build-up to this game, ten Hag stated that he wants to make Manchester United the best transition team in Europe, today was a testament to that philosophy. As soon as the Red Devils won possession, they would look for long balls over the top or down the channels, either way, they wanted to exploit the space in behind Arsenal’s defence.
Not only did they do that, but they forced the likes of Gabriel Magalhaes and Aaron Ramsdale into uncanny mistakes. United committed multiple bodies forward on the counterattack and Arsenal’s defence could only do their best to scramble and cover the wide gaps present.
#1 DECLAN RICE AS THE SOLE PIVOT
In his first start for the club, the £105 million man would experience a baptism of fire as he functioned as the lone #6 against a workhorse Utd midfield. As is the case with Havertz, it will take time for Declan Rice to form chemistry with his teammates. He will need to understand their traits, certain patterns of play, and his positioning in this system.
In a 55-minute display, the 24-year-old would win zero out of five duels and was dribbled past once. This begs the question as to whether Arteta will need to deploy a pivot of Rice and Partey in the big games, to provide better ball retention and defensive solidity.
Either way, Arteta has a lot to consider ahead of a massive showdown with Barcelona on Wednesday.
