81 touches, 10 recoveries: Arsenal star Santi Cazorla crucial in victory over United

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Arsenal’s Santi Cazorla had a flawless game against Manchester United.

Arsenal playmaker Santi Cazorla was on top form as his side brushed aside Premier League title rivals Manchester United to claim an astounding 3-0 victory.

The Gunners were simply on fire in the opening stages, rampaging through United’s slow midfield and scoring three goals in the opening 19 minutes.

It was an attacking masterclass in pace and skill, with Chile international Alex Sanchez in particular deserving all the plaudits he gets following his two-goal haul.

However, Arsenal’s display wasn’t just built on individual quality upfront it was a team effort with Francis Coquelin and Santi Cazorla once again providing a wonderful balance in midfield.

As per the table provided by Opta playmaker Cazorla was involved in all aspects of the game and contributed greatly in helping his side put United to the sword.

Going forward, the Spain international played one key pass and recorded five successful take-ons, dominating opponents Michael Carrick and Bastian Schweinsteiger with alarming ease.

Defensively, he recorded two tackles, two interceptions and ten recoveries while in possession he was reliable as ever, taking 81 touches and releasing 49 accurate passes.

After the game, all the talk was about the Gunners’ fabulous attacking play full of movement and decisiveness, yet the most impressive aspect of their display was the balance.

Intelligently, Wenger set his players up to sit deep and press in midfield, winning the ball early and releasing his side’s faster players behind the United backline where there was plenty of space to take advantage.