How did the teams set up?
[team 19], for the first time, this season started with a back four. [player 31342] started in goal with [player 1899] and [player 172960] playing at right-back and left-back respectively. It was an all Brazilian partnership in the center of the defense as [player 1333] paired with [player 97811] in the backline. [player 1891] and [player 186734] started in the midfield, with the latter providing the creativity from deep.
[player 16827155]’s role was eye-catching as the youngster was given license to roam and create space for himself. Once again, Saka ably proved his versatility. The front three consisted of [player 1317], [player 539961], and [player 31739]. [player 1430] and [player 97087] were not in the eighteen at all.
[coach 455400] started with his well-known system of a 3-5-2. [player 9438] was in goal with the returning [player 3305] in front, along with [player 506] and [player 1022] either side. The midfield had [player 64193] in the middle with [player 3230] and [player 3262] in advanced positions. [player 4220] and [player 3604] provided the width while [player 2191] and [player 6286] partnered upfront.
Fixture details: [fixture 16924625]
Another impressive performance from the Gunners
It was another performance that demonstrated the hard work that is put in by the young manager. Once again, Arsenal showed good tactical flexibility and understanding on the pitch, much to the manager [coach 307]’s delight.
The first performance, however, was not up to the mark. Arsenal were struggling to get in behind [team 21]’s defense. Despite maintaining an enormous 73% possession, Arsenal were not penetrating United’s backline effectively. There were lateral passes, backward passes, and progressiveness was widely missing. The manager needed a change in the second half.
In the second half, Arteta sent record signing [player 96656] on the pitch, replacing Nketiah. Three minutes later, the home side gained the lead through a goal from the outstanding Bukayo Saka. It was a lovely link-up play between Aubameyang and Bellerin, who delivered a good cross at the far post, and the 19-year-old was at the right place at the right time.
Three minutes later, substitute Pepe scored the second goal with extreme individual brilliance. An excellent link-up play with Bellerin was followed by a decisive run down the right-wing and was finished sublimely.
Arsenal’s efficiency in the second half won the game for them as they had 2 shots throughout the half, and both of them struck the net. Arsenal also recorded an improved 90% of passing accuracy after the break.
Overall, it was another impressive performance under Arteta, and a clean sheet was the ultimate compliment. Exciting times for the fans as a top-four finish increasingly possible under this young man with bright ideas.
What has happened to the Blades?
After last season’s outrageous heroics, Chris Wilder’s men look a shadow of themselves this season. The Blades have now lost their opening four games and are looking unlikely to repeat last season’s high standards.
They were ineffective throughout the game at the Emirates and looked passive. The first half performance was pathetic as they recorded only 1 shot in the whole half. They were struggling to play vertically and were putting in hopeful crosses without any conviction. The Blades ended the first half with 27% possession to their name.
However, in the second half, after the two goals from Arsenal, Sheffield United ended the game strongly and got one back through David McGoldrick. They registered 5 shots, with 2 of them on target in the latter half. Wilder’s men also completed 7/9 dribbles and had 3 corners in the second half.
Improvement was seen in the second half, but it was too little too late. With four losses already to their name, Wilder has to find a way to get them going. A relegation scrap is unexpected but could be the case if the recent form does not improve.
