MANCHESTER UNITED David de Gea 8 Made a series of vital early saves to keep United in the game amid Arsenal’s early dominance. Also busy throughout the second half and was his team’s best player Paddy McNair 5 Asked to play to the right of United’s three-man defence and looked vulnerable throughout, especially early in the game. Easily out-paced by Welbeck on several occasions Chris Smalling 5 Unable to provide the authoritative defensive leadership that United crave. Backed off Arsenal’s attackers on several occasions as United rode their luck and missed a good chance himself Tyler Blackett 6 Given a torrid time early in the match by Oxlade-Chamberlain but there were clear signs of him settling and this experience will have been invaluable to his development Antonio Valencia 6 Struggled early in the game to prevent curtail Arsenal’s attacking threat down the left but it was his shot across the face of the goal that led to United’s first Michael Carrick 6 Anonymous early in the match as Arsenal established dominance of the midfield but his influence did grow as United recovered from their early disorganisation. Made a vital late block Marouane Fellaini 7 Was also overrun in central midfield when United were initially outplayed but his strong presence, particularly aerially, became vital and he was involved in both United’s goals Luke Shaw 6 Asked to play on the left of midfield but was forced off in only the 16th minute after twisting his ankle in a challenge with Oxlade-Chamberlain Angel Di Maria 7 United’s most consistently creative and threatening player. Curled a first-half shot narrowly wide and then provided the assist for Rooney to seal United’s victory with a rapid counter-attack Wayne Rooney 7 Had only limited service, especially early in the game, but helped ease the pressure on United with how he held onto the ball and was utterly clinical when the chance came to finish off Arsenal Robin van Persie 5 Predictably booed with every touch on his return to the Emirates and was peripheral to the left of United’s 3-4-3 attacking system before his substitution Substitutes Ashley Young replaced Shaw in the 16th minute but and produced an excellent cross from which Gibbs and Szczesny collided immediately before the United goal. James Wilson and Darren Fletcher also came on and helped United retain possession as they saw out an important win.
Posted on: Mon, 24 Nov 2014 12:31:27 +0000
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