Player Ratings: Arsenal 1-2 Manchester United
A big win for the Reds against rivals Arsenal; despite the defensive frailties that have plagued performances so far this season. It should have been a clean sheet, and in-form goalkeeper David De Gea was unlucky to be denied this. Rooney and Di Maria led the attacking force all game with questions to be asked about Robin van Persie.
David De Gea (8/10)
Put in a solid performance between the sticks, making a number of key saves and constantly frustrating the Arsenal attack. Controlled his back-line well and was confident going up for aerial balls; showing his constant improvement in this aspect of his game. Was unlucky to concede a late goal from Giroud, as he deserved a clean sheet playing well all game.
Chris Smalling (7/10)
Spoiled Welbeck’s night by marshalling the defence and keeping himself composed. Made some good clearances and looked a lot more comfortable, which is a promising sign for both Louis van Gaal and the fans. Smalling needed to step up in this game and he did so with relative ease.
Paddy McNair (6/10)
The young defender continued his impressive start to life at Old Trafford in a weak defence on paper. But the game isn’t played on paper, it is played on grass and so McNair performed his job quite well against a very attacking Arsenal side. He wasn’t great though, leaving Giroud free to score and ruin what should have been a well-earned clean sheet.
Tyler Blackett (6/10)
Like McNair was enough to earn a win but perhaps should have been better than he was. Personally I think he was the better of the two young defenders, but there were signs of naivety throughout the game. His confidence and skill will grow and he can be happy with himself due to the nature of the opposition.
Luke Shaw (N/A)
Shaw was injured early on in the first half which forced him off for Ashley Young. A shame really; and his fitness will continue to be questioned.
Michael Carrick (6/10)
Kept the midfield shape and did his job of keeping the Arsenal players away from goal. Made some strong blocks and a great sliding tackle in the dying minutes. Other than that he did little of note; his defensive duties restricting his ability to provide an attacking role. A job well done for the Englishman.
Antonio Valencia (7/10)
Put in a good shift as always, his ball into the box led to the deflected goal. Deployed in a more defensive role; he showed no signs of discomfort and made some good runs from defence displaying his adaptability that has led to him becoming a vital player for United.
Marouane Fellaini (7/10)
The big Belgian was a physical threat all game; winning almost all of his midfield battles. Looked promising going forward too, giving United an extra option when needed. This kind of performance won’t go unnoticed by Van Gaal, even if it does go unnoticed by others because it is not memorable compared to the other players – but it is just as important for the team.
Wayne Rooney (8/10)
Scored the second goal as he and Di Maria combined to a devastating counter-attack. Rooney capped a successful week with a goal for his club after his England duties. Kept Fellaini out of trouble during a clash with Wilshire, and was a major figure in calming the team during a brief scuffle at the end involving Chambers and Di Maria showing his maturity that has been questioned by critics. Involved in every attacking move.
Angel Di Maria (8/10)
Marauded all night, his pace and skill a real handful for the Arsenal defence. There were occasions were he was too selfish and didn’t pass when he should have but all in all he orchestrated the attacks and looked good going forward each time he did so. Early signs of a growing partnership with Rooney which is set to be a very exciting one. Worth noting he did his fair share of defending too. However, he missed a great chance one on one with Martinez at the end of the game which he should have scored.
Robin van Persie (5/10)
At times in the game he was seemingly invisible, only involved in a couple of attacking moves. When he was involved he did little, visibly frustrated at his missed chances. Faced a hostile crowd due to his Arsenal past and this may have caused him to be off his game. Regardless, this should not be an excuse for such a quality player to put in a poor performance.
Substitutes
Ashley Young 15′ (7/10)
Came on 15 minutes into the game due to Shaw’s injury. Coped well defensively, making his tackles and also clearing a close range header that looked dangerous. As well as his defensive duties, Young made attacking runs using his pace to his advantage enabling him to put fast, deep crosses into the box; one of which led to the Gibbs own goal.
James Wilson 75′ (5/10)
Replaced the struggling van Persie with 15 to go. Like the player he replaced, he did not have much of an impact; and was booked late on.
Darren Fletcher 88′ (N/A)
Came on for Young to run down the clock. Came on too late to be given a rating.