Manchester United 1 - 0 Arsenal: Arsenal flop at Old Trafford again

Forgive the sensationalist title, but I'm really pissed off right now. Manchester United are a lot of things: title holders, rivals, a team with great players. But right now, the one thing they are, above all else, is our bogey team. We never seem to able to beat these guys and it's infuriating.

I don't want to sit here and write United off, but this was as good an opportunity to win at Old Trafford as any. We had the momentum of a long unbeaten run and two huge wins behind us, along with a squad that was playing with maturity and quality despite being handicapped by having all it's wingers sidelined. We could have opened up an 11 point lead over them and put even more pressure on Moyes. Moreover, Chelsea had dropped points, Spurs had dropped points and City had dropped points. It was a great opportunity.

But yet, I'm sitting here with that all too familiar feeling of losing to United in almost the exact same way we always lose to them. Our performance was way below par and never got going. Sloppiness was rife throughout the team and we failed to match United's tempo. They were highly motivated and physical, never given us a moment's rest. They played well without threatening us too much, but get that all-important lead via a set-piece; van Persie - of course, who else? - scoring after Ramsey switched off at the front post and Gibbs, for some reason, moved off the post.

By the time we started to get into the game, they had settled into a solid defensive shape and we just did not look like scoring at all. We didn't create a single clear scoring opportunity bar two excellent crosses from Sagna that, agonisingly, eluded an Arsenal player on both occasions. There were a lot of nearly moments, or moments of indecisions that made attacks break down, too. Wenger was so desperate that he even threw on Bendtner do... something. Gnabry was put on about twenty minutes too late judging by the pace and energy he brought to the side; within seconds of being on the pitch he got in behind United's defence and created a half-chance.

Fair play to United. Nothing epitomised the hard work and determination they played with today than Rooney continuing to charge around the pitch in the final few minutes of the game. Their tactics were excellent and, even though we didn't play anywhere near to our best, they probably deserved the result in the end. I know if it had been us defending a lead in that manner, I would be saying the same thing.

As for ourselves, it's important to keep a sense of perspective. I'm highly frustrated for many reasons, but a lack of big-game or "champions" mentality isn't one of them. People will inevitably use this game as evidence of us not being champion material but, at the end of the day, we're still top of the league and there isn't another team in this league right now that are showing they are "champion material".

Nothing about this game suggests there is a quality gap between the two sides. Similar to how the Dortmund game at the Emirates was decided by a mistake, this game was decided by a single set-piece. Otherwise, the squad looked every bit as tired and jaded as we thought they would be. This was the third huge game on the bounce after the previous two required a lot of effort to win. We haven't got the available personnel to freshen up the side, so a lot of players had to play every minute of every game. Then there's this illness that has apparently spread throughout the camp. Though Vermaelen had a good game, losing Mertesacker so close to the game was a massive blow, and we really could have used Rosicky's energy in midfield today.

And let's be honest. How many people thought we'd get any wins during this run? Three draws would have been deemed a satisfactory return. Two wins out of three, with the third being decided by a set-piece, is excellent. Let's not disregard the run before this, either. We're still top of the league.

Tonight was massively disappointing, but on the whole we're still in a very good position. With any luck, the player's won't be worked too hard during the international break and we'll be able to tackle the Southampton game with less fatigue. We've got a decent run of fixtures coming up before a tough December, so we should be able to get some momentum going again.

We can go on about the player fitness levels which obviously is an issue, but there was no will or determination in the performance today which is probably the biggest piss of all.

Extremely pissed off atm as this was supposed to finally be the moment where we got over this Od Trafford hump. Turned out to be the same old fking story, and tbh if we couldn't get over it now after such momentous victories, don't see when we can.

Aside from that one corner, we didn't allow Man Utd at home too many chances and defended pretty capably so we can't blame the defence for conceding ONE goal at Old Trafford.

Our problem this time was our attack. Even the average fan could see that Ramsey as RW was going to be a problem, one just doesn't play his most in form player out of position... NO ONE DOES THAT. This is the same as playing Rooney as a LW to accomodate Kagawa, it's stupid. Hopefully Wenger cuts the bullcrap and plays him and one of Arteta/Flamini in midfield next time in a big game.

Playing Ramsey as a RW also meant Arteta and Flamini playing together, now this part is just embarrassing. Man Utd dominated the midfield in the first half because of Flamini and Arteta doing the same thing and neither stepping up to link the midfield and attack. I don't understand why did Wenger break the Arteta-Ramsey duo which has been so good.

Walcott couldn't come back sooner, and not only for his quality finishing and movement but also because we won't have to see our most in form player play out of position again.

Anyway positively speaking, we got 6 points out of 9 against a strong Liverpool, Dortmund and Man Utd and that is not bad at all as long as we learn from our mistakes.

UTA!

We played these three teams in SEVEN days:
Liverpool, Dortmund, United

Facing these players:
Suarez, Sturridge, Reus, Lewandowski, RVP, Rooney

We conceded ONE goal: a set-piece at Old Trafford.

And we're still top of the league now 4 points clear of Chelsea, 5 of United and Spurs and 6 of City. This league is still very much ours to win with our injured players coming back. All they need is the desire.

Next 5 fixtures:
Southampton (h)
Marseille (h)
Cardiff (a)
Hull (h)
Everton (h)

Doesn't seem so bad in perspective, does it?

Still it's losing to United which we really shouldn't have done. They did not deserve to beat us, but we deserved to lose.

We were never going to win after they scored first. We had no pace to get in behind and they basically were much more sharper and fresh

We played Liverpool, then Dortmund away and then United away. There was a bug overnight and our injury list is a joke atm. We were lethargic in the 1st half and there was no belief in the team. Maybe due to being ill lol

But i don't think we were dominated or anything. United were as meh as us. It was FAR FAR better than the last 2 years.

We will continue to improve though. Get players back from injury. Proper strikers and forward

No need to be pessimistic

Agreed. No need for pessimism. Disappointed that it took an hour to get a shot on target in last 2 games though. Need to be lively from the off. Walcott return will help.

Arsenal had 60% possession, completed more passes (81% - 75%) & had the same amount of shots on target (2) as United. Frustrating.

Despite playing with illness, @m8arteta again had the best completion rate on the pitch (94%). Carrick had 84%.

Really gutted with the this tough loss, missing so many players. We really need a top striker, no mater how good Giroud can play we still need a striker to challenge him for his spot.

I still cant believe we did not score and what a lucky goal that was.

After this useless international break, if we dont get back Podolski
and Walcott I will lose my mind. How are we so unlucky with long injuries.
One yea its fullbacks and this year all wingers, we cant never catch a break.

Wouldn't be worried. Biggest difference between the two teams today imo was just fitness and energy levels. United were everywhere and a tired Arsenal couldn't cope.

There's something missing today that would've made the difference imo. Wingers. We missed Poldi and Theo (Ox too) alot i think. You could see, as soon as Gnabry came on he made a run down the flank, someone through balled it to him, and then he cut the ball back into the middle and that was really our brightest play of the match (or atleast one of). This match showed us how much we really missed these players, especially right at kick off. At kick off we were under tons of pressure, and when you've got no true wingers with some pace, teams can do that to you. If we had Walcott that would've helped to push them back imo.

I wouldn't be worried about this match really. I mean we played the same players every match, they all got tired. Our bench was crap today but when you look at the bench with fully fit players it looks quite good: Fabianksi, Rosicky, Monreal, Podolski, Chamberlain, Wilshere, Arteta/Flamini

So disappointing loosing against Yanited considering how average they have been this season.

Özil absolutely could not be bothered to do sh1t.

It's not that he was marked out of the game or kept in Jones' pocket like a lot of United fans want us to believe, he just didn't put in the 110% you need to win these games. There were a few instances of this, a header he didn't jump for, some tackles he didn't try and the passes he missed were just very bad.

I know it's his third big game in a week and we can't expect him to be a magician all the time but he talked big to the Sun only to be disappointing.

disappointed but not end of the world
given circumstances it was expected

our best chance would have been keep it no no and then nick it somewhere
so with fatigue and Personnel missing no surprise we couldnt respond after going down and trying to chase it

still top of the table and hopefully this Int break will be kind to us
MUST earn all 12 points in next 4 games

and dont want any striker just for sake of adding numbers

Buy someone more mobile who can Run at defenders

that instance of Giroud-Ozil one-two which wasnt completed was just another instance that i imagined what if it was Benzema instead!

although at this point i have given up on finding/getting any better striker

Gnabry did well when he came on, Giroud should have scored. I wish Wenger had given Gnabry more minutes with all our wingers out.

the best chance to win at OT in the near past wasted..
it was a very closed match won by the narrow margin of a single set piece.. both teams were cautious right from the first minute.. they tried to avoid conceding the first than trying to score the first..

United changed tactics and played Jones in midfield who is a good marker and physical presence.. this shut down Ozil completely.. we played the game with similar tactics with the limited options we had.. how often do you think we can keep playing 5 central midfielders without width and keep getting results..? the only option we had was.. this game could have been switched to a plan B at 60 mins by introducing Gnabry early.. we have looked good with 5 CM in many matches.. but this needs terrific energy levels, movement and pressing which cant come by playing the same players every 3 days..

we did well to shut down Uniteds attack and they didnt have any real chances.. Flamini was close to Rooney and did a good job.. Rooney couldnt come anywhere near the box till he was there.. Arteta did a good job despite being sick.. Ramsey and Ozil are rotating roles as CAM and RW.. but whenever Ozil was at RW.. he never put in an effort defensively.. probably tiredness than laziness.. Evra was in acres of space everytime and crossed without a challenge.. Rooney too had some joy shifting wide to left and crossing.. and i dont think Godzilla is working.. whenever Ozil + Cazorla is playing, looks like we are short in numbers.. they need to make their presence felt more..

nothing to worry here.. we did well to shut down their worldclass attack of RIP and Rooney.. a brilliance of one move was enough to seal the match.. this is what clinical strikers can do.. where Giroud can do better.. you can play the entire match, work and fight for the team and lose.. but be anonymous whole match and convert a chance like that and win your team all the 3 points.. and Bendtner should not be an option anymore..

worse tha we have lost to Manure and now have to keep listening to all the nonsense from the media and their fans.. even worst that RIP scored.. bloody f* c*.. i hope the team shows the mental steel we have seen so far to come back like against the defeats we had against Dortmund and Chelsea..

Sczeny - 6 didnt have much to do.. he has improved aerially and is doing well now with high balls..
Sagna - 7 our best player.. did well in the wings despite lacking support from the winger.. our best player in attack too.. put some amazing crosses.. but none of our players had the heart to be hopeful and give that extra 10% when in the box..
Kos - 7 good match.. rose well to the challenge..
Verm - 6 decent match but got beaten easily and looked shaky at times..
Gibbs - 6.5 did well in the left side and got forward well at times..
Arteta - 6 did his job well without mistakes..
Flamini - 6 marked Rooney well and defensively packed our centre.. tried to get forward and help the attack.. but his passing was poor at times..
Ramsey - 5.5 i dont think he flopped because he played in the RW.. just got carried away with his recent form and tried to do all alone..
Ozil - 5 flop of match.. nowhere to be seen until late in 2nd half.. passing was surprisingly average and failed to do the defensive suties well..
Cazorla - 5 anonymous..
Giroud - 5 couldnt exert his usual dominance against Uniteds back 4.. Evans owned him most of the time.. needs to be more alert and hopeful in the box.. could have had better chances if he did that..
Wilshere - 6.5 showed his passion, drive and energy which our midfield lacked..
Gnabry - 7 changed the game.. should have been subbed in early.. the thing i like is despite being a CM he choses to stay wide and cross at times.. so he mixes up it for the team.. he should start in absence of Walcott,, i dont think this 5 man CM will work every game..

so we are back in the shadows of Manure.. now media will boast that they are back in title race and why they are champions.. have to tolerate this nonsense now for 2 WEEKS !!
we should react now and not allow this result to influence our form, which is not difficult considering that we are doing this for last 1 year..

Wenger on the ref:

"I don't want to talk too much about that, I need to buy some Christmas presents and these statements cost too much money now."
 

Walcott is definitely back for the Southampton game. Word is, he could he even have made the bench yesterday, but Wenger didn't want to take any risks with him. He's been back in training for nearly a week now.

Flamini is of course suspended for that game now, but with Walcott, Rosicky and Mertesacker back, and Podolski and Chamberlain nearing returns, it's positive. Just have to hope we don't pick up any knocks in the international break.

Southampton (H), Cardiff (A), Hull (H) and Everton (H)

These are our next few games in the league where we can make things right again. It won't be as easy though, during this period we will play every 3-4 days and knowing Wenger's "rotation" policy some of our players will be knackered.

We need a 100% record if we still want to be up there before facing Man City (A) and Chelsea (H).

urbaNRoots wrote:Southampton (H), Cardiff (A), Hull (H) and Everton (H)

These are our next few games in the league where we can make things right again. It won't be as easy though, during this period we will play every 3-4 days and knowing Wenger's "rotation" policy some of our players will be knackered.

We need a 100% record if we still want to be up there before facing Man City (A) and Chelsea (H).

Giroud must start scoring, is not good for his confidence and you know what happens when there pressure is on the players mess up more.

Theo and Podolski can change that but Giroud really should have got on score sheet in the past few games.

Classless C*nt and his stupid celebration.Trying to hog all the limelight at the end of the game.Good thing Kos snubbed him.

I didn't really care about his celebration, it showed how far we have come, and how scared they are of us.

Citrus wrote:

Classless C*nt and his stupid celebration.Trying to hog all the limelight at the end of the game.Good thing Kos snubbed him.

Is this banner for real? EMBARRASSING.

Why can't people just get over it for *bleep* sake

Vermaelen not considering Arsenal exit.
“Yes. At the moment there is no story. I’m not talking about it,” Vermaelen told Evening Standard.

“It’s now November but any moment things can happen. If they do, I’m ready and I’m not thinking about anything else.

“I can keep talking about my situation. I’ve done that with the national team and I keep on reading stories that I want to leave. But that’s not the case.

“I’m still focused on the team at the moment and that’s what I want to do. I’m always positive.

“What I have said is that it is not about my situation but what the team do and I’m really happy that we’re top of the league. Personally I’m still confident I can play for this club and every chance I get I will do a job for this club.”