Manchester United faltered to yet another goalless draw against ‘big six’ opposition as they left the Emirates almost empty handed yesterday.
The result wasn’t for a lack of trying, with Edinson Cavani and Marcus Rashford both spurning glorious opportunities to snatch all three points.
How did the Players fare?
David De Gea – 7/10
Yet another clean sheet in the big games to add to De Gea’s record this season. The Spaniard had a fairly quiet night with Arsenal managing just three shots on target. However, he dealt with every test with ease and looked to be a stable presence behind the defence.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 6/10
A usual Wan-Bissaka performance yesterday, barring a few mistakes here and there. The right back offered defensive stability while continuing to display a glimmer of attacking quality, posing a threat down the wing all game long.
Harry Maguire – 6/10
Like De Gea, Harry Maguire had a fairly uneventful night, being tested only a handful of times. However, he did look uncomfortable with Alexandre Lacazette at times, earning a yellow card after the forward had beaten him on the edge of the box.
Victor Lindelof – 6/10
The ‘Iceman’ produced almost a carbon copy of his partner’s performance. Calm and composed for large portions of the game, however, appearing vulnerable and uncomfortable on a few occasions when really tested. A clean sheet at the Emirates should not be underestimated by any means regardless.
Luke Shaw – 7/10
Luke Shaw continued his immense turn in form with a stellar performance yesterday. Shaw offered a relentless threat down United’s left-hand side, creating numerous chances with his whipped, low deliveries, while keeping Nicholas Pepe quite for the majority of the game.
Fred – 6/10
This was a typical Fred performance. A combative force in the midfield in the midfield breaking down a number of dangerous attacks the hosts produced. The only thing missing was a genuine contribution to the attacking play, although he did produce the save of the match as Bernd Leno plucked his floated effort out of the top corner.
Scott McTominay – 5/10
A solid, press resistant display we’ve come to expect from the Scotsman was cut short after fitness issues forced the midfielder off just before half time.
Paul Pogba – 7/10
The Frenchman was largely ineffective before McTominay’s withdrawal, struggling to impact the game from the wide left position he had been initially been deployed. However, a switch to a more central position brought the best from Pogba. A dominant display in both attack and defense, Pogba schooled Thomas Partey, much how Partey had in the reverse fixture at Old Trafford.
Bruno Fernandes – 6/10
Often a victim of his own standards, Fernandes had a bright and creative game, however, given the astronomical heights he can and has hit this season, this was a rather quiet and disappointing performance from the mercurial talent.
Marcus Rashford – 6/10
Playing from an unfavoured position out on the right, Rashford struggled to provide the type of performance he had become notorious for. He spurned arguably the best chance of the game at the end of the first half and struggled to get the better of an inspired Cedric all night.
Edinson Cavani – 6/10
One of Europe's most lethal talisman had a day to forget at Arsenal, inexplicably missing a chance with an open net at his mercy, as well as failing to win the game with a close-range chance late on. His movement and link up play offered a slight redemption; however, he will be disappointed with his contribution.
Substitute(s)
Anthony Martial – 5/10
Martial’s poor run of form continued following his introduction late in the first half. He struggled to make any notable impact on the game and was unable to make the most of Shaw’s constant threat on the overlap.
Man of the Match – Luke Shaw
A somewhat surprise contender for United’s most dangerous attacking outlet at the Emirates, Shaw combined blistering offense with intelligent defending to lock down United’s left-hand side and keep Nicholas Pepe quiet.