Not Convincing But Three Points Secured
Honestly, I wasn’t impressed with Arsenal’s overall play against Manchester United yesterday. The rhythm wasn’t there for large parts of the game, and we struggled to dictate as we usually do. But at the end of the day, the most important stat was secured - three precious points in a big fixture.
One thing is clear: more teams will continue to pack their midfield when they face us. United did exactly that, and it caused us problems. If we want to dominate these kinds of matches, we must learn to play through that press and congestion with more composure and precision.
That said, there were positives to take. For me, Zubimendi stood out with a commanding display. His intelligence, composure, and ability to link play were top-class, and I believe he’ll be a crucial player for us this season. Definitely a bright spot on a rather flat day.
I also can’t ignore the officiating. It felt like the referee looked away from most of the fouls committed against us, which tilted the game at times. Decisions like that can frustrate players and fans alike, but thankfully, it didn’t cost us in the end.
All in all, it wasn’t the most convincing performance, but a win is a win. Three points secured, lessons to be learned, and focus now shifts to the next battle. On to the next!