The Warm Down: Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal

Arsenal secured a league victory at Old Trafford for the first time since 2006 thanks to a dominant display, and a penalty from their skipper

By Joshua Fletcher3 November 2020 11:58 BST

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 01: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal celebrates scoring during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford on November 1, 2020 in Manchester, United Kingdom. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Visionhaus)

An inform Manchester United side continued their poor run of home form as a 0-1 home defeat to Arsenal continued The Red Devils mediocre league form and they still haven’t won a home league game this season.

The hosts were unbeaten in their last four games, after back-to-back Champions League victories against Paris Saint Germain and RB Leipzig and a win against Newcastle brought United back into form following their humiliating defeat to Tottenham.

A 0-0 draw at home to Chelsea in their last Premier League outing wasn’t entirely convincing for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his men.

The Gunners’ were coming into the game in rather poor league form, having lost their last two games, narrow defeats to Leicester City and Manchester City, but enjoying great success in Europe with consecutive victories at the hands of Dundalk and Rapid Vienna.

Arsenal were unbeaten in the last four matches against United, having drawn on their last two visits to Old Trafford, and beating their counterparts on New Year’s Day at the Emirates last season.

Gunners dominate in an away performance

Arsenal don’t often enjoy their visits to the ‘Big Six’, failing to win in their last 29 league visits, a hoodoo that was ended after a dominating performance in Manchester.

The visitors dictated play and although possession stats were even between the sides, Arsenal had the ball in dangerous territory more than their opponents.

The Gunners had a plethora of chances in the first half, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang failed to reach a Hector Bellerin cross, before Willian hit the bar and Bukayo Saka glanced a free header over David De Gea’s bar.

Gunners’ captain Aubameyang missed a great chance early in the second half, curling the ball wide of the net, after a great stride and pass from Alexandre Lacazette.

Aubameyang converted from the penalty spot after a mistake from Paul Pogba gave Arsenal a deserved win in a game of little clear chances.

Partey and Elneny – A dynamic midfield duo

Mikel Arteta may have found his best midfield pairing for the season, and surprisingly it is a two-man midfield that includes Mohamed Elneny.

The Egyptian midfielder spent last season on loan at Besiktas, has forced his way into the plans of Arteta, and had a performance for the ages on Sunday evening and has potentially found a long-term midfield partner alongside Thomas Partey.

The Ghanain international put in another man of the match performance for his new club, his 79 touches and near 93% pass completion rate was the tip of a near perfect performance.

He gained possession the most times in the match [11] and won the most duels of any Arsenal player in a league game this season, with 10 battles won.