It was more of a game filled with emotions, however, the fighting spirit and the competitiveness that has been synonymous with this fixture did not fade away as Arsenal pushed United back, but were unable to take away three points due to some persistent pressure enforced by the home side. Let us see how the Gunners fared in this clash:
David Ospina: 6/10
Made some routine saves but could not have done much regarding Pogba’s goal. He was overawed by Fellaini’s aerial presence for the second goal too.
Hector Bellerin: 5/10
He overlapped Ashley Young and did well to dominate the flank, but, as always, the final ball was awful and that left Aubameyang isolated at the box.
Calum Chambers: 7/10
A surprisingly good game for the oft-nervy English international as he arranged the backline well, barked his commands and was quite strong both in the air and during his tackles too.
Konstantinos Mavropanos: 7/10
A really promising Premier League debut as the young lad made great use of his strength and aerial prowess to minimize Lukaku’s impact in the box. He made some good clearances and asserted his assurance and strength while tackling the ball.
Sead Kolasinac: 5/10
Kolasinac should have moved ahead more but was caught up in defensive duties for most of the time.
Granit Xhaka: 6/10
Xhaka was as usual bit malice with his challenges and earned a booking quite early in the game. He, however, progressed well as the game passed on but did not exude any leadership quality that could justify the elusive armband that he was wearing today.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles: 8/10
Niles started in his favoured position at the centre of the park and linked up the backline with the attacking third using his fleet foot, and incredible dribbling technique. He slowed down as the game progressed but showed good composure on the ball whenever he got a chance.
Alex Iwobi: 6/10
A decent outing where he tried a bit of everything, but could not churn out anything notable of sorts. Iwobi has to induce more attacking impetus and clarity in his game.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan: 7/10
There was some good dynamism in his game as dazzled past United players at times with ridiculous ease and also teed up the other forwards on some occasions. The goal was a deserved reward for the Armenian’s performance.
Reiss Nelson: 6/10
Nelson tried to create some havoc with his ball-carrying ability as he made his way in front the left-wing but he was often hounded upon by United players and hence couldn’t create something noteworthy despite showing good tenacity.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: 6/10
Showed good movement and composure, possessed a good touch and made use of his strength to hold the ball up; but was massively let down by lack of credible deliveries from the flanks.
Substitutes
Nacho Monreal: 6/10
The Spanish international was brought in for an injured Kolasinac and the veteran seamlessly fitted into his role for the latter stages of the game.
Danny Welbeck: 6.5/10
Welbeck showed impressive tenacity, hold-up play and the eagerness to create unrest in United’s half.
Joe Willock: 5/10
Came quite late into the match, but broke off a couple of attacks and even drove the team ahead on one occasion; something that shows a glimpse of the talent that the lad possesses.