In a thrilling night of football at the Emirates, Manchester United destroyed Arsenal on the counter-attack, winning 1-3. How did their players do?
Goalkeeper: David De Gea – 9/10
Manchester United’s no. 1 started very slowly but soon ascended to a different level of reality. A series of superb saves kept United’s clean sheet in tact. The highlight being a tackle-save on Alexis Sánchez. Arsenal were angelic at time but De Gea is the Demon King!
Centre-back: Victor Lindelof – 7/10
A solid defensive performance as Lindelof continues his adaptation to the Premier League.
Centre-back: Chris Smalling – 6/10
Dominant in the air, winning 3/3 duels. Not as solid on the deck however.
Centre-back: Marcos Rojo – 7/10
As enthusiastic as ever but a bit sloppy in the tackle. An absolutely liability Arsenal repeatedly exposed in the first-half he nevertheless recovered for an impressive second. The Manchester United man totalled 12 clearances.
Right wing-back: Antonio Valencia – 8/10
Superb finish to give Manchester United the lead (a move he started with a great interception). Defended his flank superbly, also.
Central midfield: Paul Pogba – 8/10
A wonderfully weighted assist for Valencia. An all-action display at the heart of the United midfield and then an utterly spectacular assist where he danced around Koscielny before teeing up Lingard. A masterclass of a performance ruined by a shocking challenge on Hector Bellerin that saw him sent off.
Defensive midfield: Nemanja Matic – 9/10
Mourinho took a fitness risk starting Matic here but it paid off for Manchester United. Countless blocks and tackles to protect his shoddy defence. 2 tackles won, 4/4 aerial duels, 3 interceptions and 10 clearances. An absolute colossus.
Left wing-back: Ashley Young – 8/10
A wonderful defensive display, Young was constantly getting in the way of Arsenal attacks. Protected his flank and never really got exposed even when Arsenal overloaded him.
Attacking midfield: Jesse Lingard – 9/10
Stupendously energetic performance. Scored twice, both times finishing off a move his dynamic play began. Pressed Shkodran Mustafi off the park and sealed the deal for Manchester United with a tap-in. The English Pedro.
Striker: Anthony Martial – 7/10
Control, turn and flick for Lingard’s goal a thing of beauty. Ran Arsenal ragged on the break.
Striker: Romelu Lukaku – 7/10
Led the line with aplomb. Held it up and moved it on. His control and pass for Lingard’s goal was brilliant.
Sub: Ander Herrera – 5/10
Came on for Martial after 67 minutes. Added stability but little else.
Sub: Matteo Darmian – n/a
Came on for Lingard after 76 minutes.
Sub: Marcus Rashford – n/a
Came on for Young after 91 minutes.
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