Peter Schmeichel says Diogo Dalot was ‘scared’ of Bukayo Saka during Manchester United’s 3-1 defeat against Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday.
The legendary goalkeeper highlighted Arsenal’s equaliser, which came via the left foot of Martin Odegaard, and how Manchester United defended that situation just moments before Marcus Rashord had opened the scoring for them in the first half.
Schmeichel stated that a number of players in Manchester United colours were at fault, as well as how Diogo Dalot was acting off the ball when he had to defend up against Bukayo Saka, as he told Premier League Productions (03/09/23 at 5:30 pm).
In the end, it proved to be costly because Mikel Arteta’s side would go on to secure, yet another, very late win against their old rivals.
It was Eddie Nketiah last season, but this time it was the new kid on the block, Declan Rice who scored the winner, before Gabriel Jesus added the cherry on top of the cake.
Nonetheless, this is what Schmeichel made of Man United’s defending and Dalot’s actions towards Saka.
“I had a coach who always said to me, you are most vulnerable right after you scored,” said Schmeichel. “You have to focus and concentrate.
“Martinez shouldn’t be running towards what he is doing. He should be running towards where the error is. Eriksen should be running back and covering for him. But he doesn’t. He runs the other way, Martinez and takes himself out of the game.
“I think Dalot looking a little bit scared of Saka. When defending, a lot of the time, it’s about putting fires out. You put one fire out and don’t think about the next one, until you have to put it out.”
Another eventful game between Arsenal and Manchester United
It was a crazy game, from start to finish, from these two old rivals, with Arteta’s side, the ones celebrating at the full-time whistle.
There were many, many big talking points during the game, and you can bet your bottom dollar, that both managers will voice their concerns.
But, in truth, Arsenal fans won’t care one jot because they are still unbeaten and pushing for the Premier League title.
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