Arsenal’s win against Manchester United last weekend was special for multiple reasons. The Gunners ended their terrible run at Old Trafford as well as their 29-game winless streak against a big team away from home.
Mikel Arteta’s new signings Thomas Partey and Gabriel Magalhaes were brilliant in the win, but the biggest surprise of all was arguably Mohamed Elneny’s performance in the middle of the park.
The Egyptian spent last season on loan in Turkey with Besiktas. Elneny had a good campaign there, but despite his desire to stay at the Emirates, many felt that he would be among the ones Arteta would look to move on in the summer.
However, the former Basel man has silenced his doubters. Elneny has started eight games in all competitions this season, and after his performance at Old Trafford, it won’t be a surprise to see him feature regularly next to Partey.
When the teams were announced before the game, there were a few moans among Arsenal fans. Many expected Elneny to be a squad player, but starting a big game away from home was viewed as a strange move.
Arteta, however, got his tactics spot on. He kept his faith in Elneny and decided to give him a chance. But, he isn’t the only one who has shown trust in the Egyptian midfielder over the years.
Former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger brought Elneny to the Emirates, and has always sung praises of him. The midfielder was never viewed as a regular starter, but his recent performances show that the legendary Frenchman was right about him all along.
Wenger has always been a fan of Elneny
Wenger told BeIN Sports last year, as quoted by KingFut: “Elneny is a very strong and active player. He’s a player with a modern style of play and that always gives his best for his team. Elneny is a very tactically-useful player.”
“He is very active inside the pitch and what strikes me the most is how he protects his team. His input within the team is great, not in terms of goal creation because he’s not the type to have the final touch before the goal. But because of how helpful he is in the build-up. Elneny’s style of play adds protection to the team”
Elneny’s style of play certainly protected Arsenal’s backline at Old Trafford. He has shown that he is capable of having an impact higher up the pitch as well, and if he can continue his form, he will become a very important player in Arteta’s system this season.
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