Arsenal succumbed to their first home Premier League defeat in 24 matches as Manchester Utd secured a smash and grab victory at the Emirates. The Gunners dominated for large periods, but lacked ruthlessness in the final third and were again defensively exposed. It’s now Arsenal’s worse start to a league campaign in 32 years; they currently sit in eighth spot, 15 points off leaders Chelsea. There were not many positives to take from another disappointing defeat, although there were some impressive individual performances. So who was Arsenal’s star man?
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been in excellent form recently; with an extended run in the side for both Arsenal and England, he has grown in confidence and with his pace and directness, he has caused opposition defences numerous problems. Oxlade-Chamberlain was undoubtedly Arsenal’s best player in the first-half yesterday; Tyler Blackett simply couldn’t cope with the winger’s pace and skill. He was Arsenal’s most dangerous outlet, delivering some excellent balls into the box, but the likes of Danny Welbeck and Aaron Ramsey were unable to capitalise.
The 21-year-old’s influence admittedly waned in the second period, as Arsène Wenger’s side lacked urgency and purpose going forward as the game progressed, but whenever he was in possession, you always felt that he was the one capable of producing that special something.
Jack Wilshere produced another impressive performance, until he hobbled off on the hour mark. He has certainly been impressive for both club and country this season; in the last four England internationals, Wilshere has been Man of the Match, whilst he’s also been one of Arsenal’s most consistent performers. Nevertheless, his inability to stay fit for sustained periods is becoming increasingly frustrating. When he was forced off through injury, Arsenal lost their attacking spark and intensity.
The 22-year-old was dictating the pace of the game and was also giving Arsenal stability in the midfield, by sitting alongside Mikel Arteta on occasion. Wilshere seems to have regained that extra-yard of pace that he’s been lacking over the last 18 months, but the main criticism that can be levelled at him is his goal-scoring records. He squandered a fantastic opportunity mid-way through the first-half; one on one with De Gea; he delayed his shot and his attempted chip was read by United’s Spanish shot-stopper. If Wilshere had converted that opportunity, it may have been a very different outcome.
Arsenal skipper Mikel Arteta also produced a solid performance yesterday. It’s been a stop-start campaign for the midfielder thus far, but when he’s been fit, he has performed well. He was tenacious in the midfield yesterday; he enjoyed a tough tussle against former Everton team-mate Marouane Fellaini. Fellaini’s imposing physical presence was inevitably going to challenge Arteta, but he remained disciplined and effectively broke up the play, particularly in the first-half. He also dealt well with Wayne Rooney for large periods, refusing to give him time and space on the ball. However, with 15 minutes to go, with the Gunners trailing 1-0, they completely lost their defensive discipline.
For United’s second goal, Rooney and Di Maria were just allowed to run at Nacho Monreal who was dreadfully exposed. Whilst Arteta cannot shoulder all of the blame, as captain and defensive midfielder, he must take some responsibility over the defensive organisation. Legitimate questions remain over Wenger’s tactical approach, but the players must be held accountable for their poor ‘in-game-management’. Despite this, Arteta did have a solid game and in the closing stages, produced a delightful lofted ball that led to Olivier Giroud’s consolation goal.
The ‘Star Man’ is a difficult decision this week, because no Arsenal player produced a consistent performance over the 90 minutes. That essentially has been a damning indictment of their season so far, glimpses of quality, but at this level, this is simply not enough. However, Alex Oxlade Chamberlain is the most obvious choice; he posed the greatest threat throughout the contest. He was superb in the opening 45 minutes and even when his influence waned slightly, he still looked the man most capable of troubling United’s backline.