Pre-game Jitters
Our well-publicized impotency against the Top Six in recent years. Our poor away record last season. A resurgent United who in the Champions League won at star-studded PSG less than two weeks ago and then put five past a very good Leipzig side on Wednesday. And to make matters worse, the notorious Mike Dean as lead referee. Needless to say, I wasn’t confident going into this match.
Same As The Old Boss?
In another pre-match storyline, much was made of Arteta’s record through his first 26 league matches as manager and its similarities to that of Unai Emery who was sacked after 26 league matches in charge. However, one of the most striking differences between the two is that the Gunners conceded only 28 goals under Arteta vs. 37 under Emery. And today, that defensive difference was on full display as our defense kept us in the match with one tackle (we had 20 vs. 10 for United) and clearance (23 for us, 12 for them) after another until we deservedly took the lead in the 69th minute and then allowed us to hold on to that lead through full time.
Men of the Match
In fairness to Emery, when he was our manager he did not have the talents of Gabriel and Partey at his disposal. And while Gabriel came close to receiving a second yellow–especially with the red card-happy Dean roaming the pitch–, the Brazilian never lost his fight throughout the match and continues to bring some much needed toughness to our back line. Partey was excellent breaking up play with numerous tackles and interceptions that helped keep United from sustaining any offensive momentum. But in fairness to Arteta, Emery never got much out of Mohamed Elneny. In fact, the Egyptian was sent out on loan to Besiktas for most of Emery’s tenure at the Emirates. But under Arteta, Elneny has started in three of our four league wins this season. While he was always unlikely to score with the rocket of a shot he unleashed in the 65th minute, he had played so well beforehand that he certainly earned the right to have a go. And his gegenpressing in the 91st minute (yes, in extra time!)–almost single-handedly pushing United back when they desperately needed to get forward–brought a huge smile to my face and hopefully made Gooners everywhere proud.