Kai Havertz desperately needs some confidence, Rasmus Hojlund shows early glimpses of his talent and Gabriel is welcomed back into the starting XI… THREE THINGS WE LEARNED from Arsenal’s 3-1 win over Man United
Arsenal secured a potentially crucial 3-1 victory over Manchester United on Sunday after a thrilling encounter in the Emirates.
United fought hard in the game and took the lead midway through the first half through Marcus Rashford before they were immediately snatched back by Martin Odegaard’s fine finishing.
Alejandro Garnacho thought he had won the game in the dying minutes, but VAR ruled him offside, with Declan Rice and Gabriel Jesus scoring goals in stoppage time to secure a dramatic final win for the Gunners.
Erik ten Hag’s side now have just six points from their first four games, while the Gunners have ten from four as they look for another title challenge after last season’s second-place finish.
below, Mail Sports ISAAN KHAN summarizes three things we learned from the North London clash.
Arsenal scored a dramatic 3-1 victory over Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday
It was a difficult result for United, who continued their difficult start to the season
Havertz desperately needs some confidence
In addition to describing his intricate morning ritual, a significant portion of Mikel Arteta’s pre-game press conference focused on one man: Kai Havertz.
The man who has garnered such divided opinion after only three weeks would think he has entered the political arena.
Arteta firmly believes in the German and indicates that he demands ‘love’ from the fans. It is clear that the manager will not give up on him yet, although the love was certainly tested to the limit from the stands within half an hour.
Havertz had completely misplayed the ball as he reached goal, to the sound of groans, which should have resulted in a goal.
And minutes later he gave the ball to Christian Eriksen, who gave Marcus Rashford the right ball to score.
Kai Havertz struggled for the Gunners and the midfielder desperately needs some confidence
However, Mikel Arteta is willing to support the German, who arrived for £65 million in the summer
The midfielder believed he had awarded his team a penalty on 60 minutes after being challenged by both Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Casemiro, but it was reversed via VAR.
One can only assume that his confidence is really tested at this point.
But at least one man refuses to err in negativity, and Arteta then used another of his leftist anecdotes to assess the situation.
“I told him (Havertz) on Saturday that it was difficult at first, when I met my wife,” he told Sky Sports.
“I had to work and message, if she says yes on the first day, it’s probably no use.
(What convinced her?) Perseverance, I think. On Sunday we took the plane and the subway. We win games, and that’s the beauty of it.’
Gabriel finally returns to base
It turned into a week-to-week match between Arsenal fans, betting among themselves on whether Gabriel would return to the starting line-up.
The odd omission in game week one, which had lasted two more games, surprised even the most ardent of followers. On Sunday, Mikel Arteta returned to type, the way the Gunners got into title contention in the final campaign.
That was Oleksandr Zinchenko moving from left back to midfield, combining William Saliba with Gabriel in center and Ben White at right back.
In many ways this was enforced, with Thomas Partey’s injury leaving a gap in the back line.
Still, the announcement of the Brazilian’s place in the starting eleven caused loud cheers in the Emirates.
They had missed him. One particular moment in the game’s final moments showed why.
Substitute Alejandro Garnarcho had rushed on. The defense could only chase its shadow, with the forward finishing past Aaron Ramsdale. It was in the 88th minute. A bit of heartbreak indeed.
Although this was ruled offside by the VAR. Gabriel had cleverly held the line, leaving Garnacho offside by just millimeters.
It’s those margins that decide football games, and those margins should keep Gabriel in the lineup.
Gabriel made his first start of the season and was welcomed back into the team by Arsenal fans
Hojlund shows a first glimpse of his talent
With a score of 1-1, the tension in the away game increased after 67 minutes.
It was the introduction of Rasmus Hojlund, the 20-year-old striker that Manchester United fans place much of their hopes in.
United are missing a productive striker and Hojlund has been brought in to answer that call.
It’s early days, but he made some impression. A real spark, previously lacking in parts, was created by the Manchester club’s attacking play, its energy and eagerness to put pressure on any stray ball that landed on team-mates.
His pace and power created problems in Arsenal’s backline, forcing them to pull back step by step.
That was reflected in a second-half scuffle with Gabriel, with the striker falling into the penalty area and begging unsuccessfully for a penalty.
It was only a brief cameo, but Rasmus Hojlund made a positive impression on his United debut
Former United defender Gary Neville said on Sky Sports: “Cristiano Ronaldo wasn’t a classic goalkeeper, (Anthony) Martial certainly wasn’t, (Marcus) Rashford wasn’t. At least they have someone who looks like he’s messing people up and putting his body in there. He is aggressive and a runner.
“This kid, there was a lot of pressure on him, it comes with a high price tag, but it was an encouraging start.”
The keyword here will be patience. He made his first-team debut in Denmark less than three years ago, and the Premier League is a tricky beast to tame.
But over time, United could have a player on their hands.
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