LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 01: Sokratis Papastathopoulos of Arsenal celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on January 01, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Arsenal Vs Manchester United: Player ratings – Mikel Arteta changes everything
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 01: Sokratis Papastathopoulos of Arsenal celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on January 01, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
On New Years Day, Arsenal hosted Manchester United looking for their first win under Mikel Arteta. Here are the player ratings from the 2-0 victory.
Well, I think it is fair to say that Mikel Arteta knows how to coach a football team. The Arsenal head coach earned his first victory at the club as he saw his team dismantle a Manchester United side that were beginning to look in fine fettle. Nicolas Pepe opened the scoring early on after some excellent Sead Kolasinac work down the left flank, before Sokratis doubled the advantage. The Gunners then saw out the second half in a shockingly collective, cohesive and well-coached performance.
Find the latest episode of the Pain in the Arsenal Podcast here — After Everton, good luck Mikel Arteta
Here are the player ratings from the brilliant 2-0 victory.
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 01: Harry Maguire of Manchester United reacts during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on January 01, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Goalkeeper
BERND LENO
GK, Arsenal7.0
A nice bounceback display from Leno. Made the saves he had to, including an excellent one late on from Marcus Rashford, and did not make the blunder like against Chelsea. He also commanded his area well, authoritatively punching clear on several occasions. One slight issue is his kicking. Arteta is demanding Leno to play more difficult passes. He is able to, but it is inconsistent. He must be more accurate time and time again if Arsenal are to successfully play out from the back.
Arsenal head coach earned his first victory at the club as he saw his team dismantle a Manchester United side that were beginning to look in fine fettle. Nicolas Pepe opened the scoring early on after some excellent Sead Kolasinac work down the left flank, before Sokratis doubled the advantage. The Gunners then saw out the second half in a shockingly collective, cohesive and well-coached performance.</p>
<h2><a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/01/arsenal-vs-manchester-united-player-ratings-mikel-arteta-changes-everything/"https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/pain-in-the-arsenal-podcast-on-arsenal-fc/id1314514440?ign-mpt=uo%3D4%26amp%3Buo%3D4&mt=2%22>Find the latest episode of the Pain in the Arsenal Podcast here — After Everton, good luck Mikel Arteta</a></h2>
<p>Here are the player ratings from <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/01/arsenal-vs-manchester-united-player-ratings-mikel-arteta-changes-everything/"https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50908732">the brilliant 2-0 victory</a>.</p>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-97092" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/01/arsenal-vs-manchester-united-player-ratings-mikel-arteta-changes-everything/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1197003773-850x560.jpeg" alt="" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 01: Harry Maguire of Manchester United reacts during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on January 01, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)</p>
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<h4>Goalkeeper</h4>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Grade" data-grade="7.0" data-name="BERND LENO" data-meta-a="GK" data-meta-b="Arsenal" data-inner-content="A nice bounceback display from Leno. Made the saves he had to, including an excellent one late on from Marcus Rashford, and did not make the blunder like against Chelsea. He also commanded his area well, authoritatively punching clear on several occasions. One slight issue is his kicking. Arteta is demanding Leno to play more difficult passes. He is able to, but it is inconsistent. He must be more accurate time and time again if Arsenal are to successfully play out from the back."> <div class="grade remove-native-227"> <div class="grade-header"> <div class="photo"> <img src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/01/arsenal-vs-manchester-united-player-ratings-mikel-arteta-changes-everything/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_200,h_200,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.arsenal.com%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fstyles%2Fplayer_featured_image_1045x658%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2FLeno_1045x658.jpg%3Fitok%3DsdPMY-iR"> </div> <div class="border"> <h3 class="first-name">BERND LENO</h3> <span class="position">GK,</span> <span class="team">Arsenal</span> </div> <div class="the-grade"> <h3 class="letter-grade">7.0</h3> </div> </div> <div class="details">A nice bounceback display from Leno. Made the saves he had to, including an excellent one late on from Marcus Rashford, and did not make the blunder like against Chelsea. He also commanded his area well, authoritatively punching clear on several occasions. One slight issue is his kicking. Arteta is demanding Leno to play more difficult passes. He is able to, but it is inconsistent. He must be more accurate time and time again if Arsenal are to successfully play out from the back.</div> </div>
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<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/01/arsenal-vs-manchester-united-player-ratings-mikel-arteta-changes-everything/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Centre-Backs </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-97093" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/01/arsenal-vs-manchester-united-player-ratings-mikel-arteta-changes-everything/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1197003764-850x560.jpeg" alt="" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 01: David Luiz of Arsenal reacts during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on January 01, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)</p>
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<h4>Centre-Backs</h4>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Grade" data-grade="6.5" data-name="SOKRATIS " data-meta-a="CB" data-meta-b="Arsenal" data-inner-content="Defended much better than he has all season, aggressively pressing opponents’ touches, not allowing them to turn into space and drive at the backline. He also scored a goal with a rifled finish. However, his play in possession is troubling. He is a poor distributor, takes too long to control the ball, and rarely steps up into midfield. In Arteta’s approach, Sokratis will not work."> <div class="grade remove-native-227"> <div class="grade-header"> <div class="photo"> <img src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/01/arsenal-vs-manchester-united-player-ratings-mikel-arteta-changes-everything/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_200,h_200,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.arsenal.com%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fstyles%2Fplayer_featured_image_1045x658%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2FSokratis_1045x658_0.jpg%3Fitok%3D97aQxOIY"> </div> <div class="border"> <h3 class="first-name">SOKRATIS </h3> <span class="position">CB,</span> <span class="team">Arsenal</span> </div> <div class="the-grade"> <h3 class="letter-grade">6.5</h3> </div> </div> <div class="details">Defended much better than he has all season, aggressively pressing opponents’ touches, not allowing them to turn into space and drive at the backline. He also scored a goal with a rifled finish. However, his play in possession is troubling. He is a poor distributor, takes too long to control the ball, and rarely steps up into midfield. In Arteta’s approach, Sokratis will not work.</div> </div>
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<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Grade" data-grade="8.5" data-name="DAVID LUIZ" data-meta-a="CB" data-meta-b="Arsenal" data-inner-content="Brilliant. Most impressively, his defending was excellent. Marked attackers with attentiveness and concentration, pressured them beautifully, never allowing them to turn and drive, defended the penalty area dutifully late on, and also took a leading role with those around him, organising his teammates and geeing up the crowd. The difference between him and Sokratis? He can pass the ball. This is why he is perfect for Arteta."> <div class="grade remove-native-227"> <div class="grade-header"> <div class="photo"> <img src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/01/arsenal-vs-manchester-united-player-ratings-mikel-arteta-changes-everything/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_200,h_200,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.arsenal.com%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fstyles%2Fplayer_featured_image_1045x658%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2FDL_Website_profiles_1045x658_v2.jpg%3Fitok%3DqvVlzxz8"> </div> <div class="border"> <h3 class="first-name">DAVID LUIZ</h3> <span class="position">CB,</span> <span class="team">Arsenal</span> </div> <div class="the-grade"> <h3 class="letter-grade">8.5</h3> </div> </div> <div class="details">Brilliant. Most impressively, his defending was excellent. Marked attackers with attentiveness and concentration, pressured them beautifully, never allowing them to turn and drive, defended the penalty area dutifully late on, and also took a leading role with those around him, organising his teammates and geeing up the crowd. The difference between him and Sokratis? He can pass the ball. This is why he is perfect for Arteta.</div> </div>
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<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/01/arsenal-vs-manchester-united-player-ratings-mikel-arteta-changes-everything/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Full-Backs </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 01: Aaron Wan-Bissaka of Manchester United is challenged by Sead Kolasinac of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on January 01, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)</p>
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<h4>Full-Backs</h4>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Grade" data-grade="8.0" data-name="AINSLEY MAITLAND-NILES" data-meta-a="RB" data-meta-b="Arsenal" data-inner-content="For the second performance in succession, Maitland-Niles was superb. In a word, he was ‘focused’. He stuck to his defensive task excellently, his passing was sharp and smart, not always playing the easy pass to release pressure, and he moved into central midfield neatly as well. Maitland-Niles is turning into an excellent right-back, whether he likes it or not."> <div class="grade remove-native-227"> <div class="grade-header"> <div class="photo"> <img src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/01/arsenal-vs-manchester-united-player-ratings-mikel-arteta-changes-everything/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_200,h_200,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.arsenal.com%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fstyles%2Flarge_16x9%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2FAinsley_1045x658.jpg%3Fitok%3DOXL25q06"> </div> <div class="border"> <h3 class="first-name">AINSLEY MAITLAND-NILES</h3> <span class="position">RB,</span> <span class="team">Arsenal</span> </div> <div class="the-grade"> <h3 class="letter-grade">8.0</h3> </div> </div> <div class="details">For the second performance in succession, Maitland-Niles was superb. In a word, he was ‘focused’. He stuck to his defensive task excellently, his passing was sharp and smart, not always playing the easy pass to release pressure, and he moved into central midfield neatly as well. Maitland-Niles is turning into an excellent right-back, whether he likes it or not.</div> </div>
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<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Grade" data-grade="7.5" data-name="SEAD KOLASINAC" data-meta-a="LB" data-meta-b="" data-inner-content="Give great credit to him playing so bravely when he clearly was not fully fit — he went down with an ankle problem repeatedly but ignored the pain barrier. Surprisingly started, perhaps having been rushed back into the fold. Made several marauding runs forward, on and off the ball, engineered the opener and was a key attacking outlet in the first half. He was beaten by Dan James on a couple of occasions defensively and still needs to tail back his aggressive nature."> <div class="grade remove-native-227"> <div class="grade-header"> <div class="photo"> <img src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/01/arsenal-vs-manchester-united-player-ratings-mikel-arteta-changes-everything/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_200,h_200,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.arsenal.com%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fstyles%2Fplayer_featured_image_1045x658%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2FKolasinac_1045x658_0.jpg%3Fitok%3Dp9Au6D7o"> </div> <div class="border"> <h3 class="first-name">SEAD KOLASINAC</h3> <span class="position">LB,</span> <span class="team"></span> </div> <div class="the-grade"> <h3 class="letter-grade">7.5</h3> </div> </div> <div class="details">Give great credit to him playing so bravely when he clearly was not fully fit — he went down with an ankle problem repeatedly but ignored the pain barrier. Surprisingly started, perhaps having been rushed back into the fold. Made several marauding runs forward, on and off the ball, engineered the opener and was a key attacking outlet in the first half. He was beaten by Dan James on a couple of occasions defensively and still needs to tail back his aggressive nature.</div> </div>
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<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/01/arsenal-vs-manchester-united-player-ratings-mikel-arteta-changes-everything/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Central Midfield </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-97095" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/01/arsenal-vs-manchester-united-player-ratings-mikel-arteta-changes-everything/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1197001670-850x560.jpeg" alt="" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 01: Anthony Martial of Manchester United gets away from Lucas Torreira of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on January 01, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)</p>
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<h4>Central Midfield</h4>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Grade" data-grade="7.0" data-name="GRANIT XHAKA" data-meta-a="CM" data-meta-b="Arsenal" data-inner-content="Safe and sound defensively, not diving into tackles and rarely finding himself isolated and exploited in space, and competent in possession. He still takes too long to release the ball at times and he really struggles to deal with receiving the ball close to a defender, which he needs to improve, but this was a neat and tidy performance."> <div class="grade remove-native-227"> <div class="grade-header"> <div class="photo"> <img src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/01/arsenal-vs-manchester-united-player-ratings-mikel-arteta-changes-everything/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_200,h_200,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.arsenal.com%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fstyles%2Fplayer_featured_image_1045x658%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2FXhaka_1045x658_0.jpg%3Fitok%3D4RdnaWrD"> </div> <div class="border"> <h3 class="first-name">GRANIT XHAKA</h3> <span class="position">CM,</span> <span class="team">Arsenal</span> </div> <div class="the-grade"> <h3 class="letter-grade">7.0</h3> </div> </div> <div class="details">Safe and sound defensively, not diving into tackles and rarely finding himself isolated and exploited in space, and competent in possession. He still takes too long to release the ball at times and he really struggles to deal with receiving the ball close to a defender, which he needs to improve, but this was a neat and tidy performance.</div> </div>
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<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Grade" data-grade="9.0" data-name="LUCAS TORREIRA" data-meta-a="CM" data-meta-b="Arsenal" data-inner-content="MAN OF THE MATCH: Outstanding. Positionally disciplined, which has not always been the case, calm, composed and brilliantly simple in possession, and absolutely phenomenal defensively. Read the danger beautifully, was quick across the ground to cover gaps when necessary, turned over possession time and time and time again, and even charged out of the midfield with terrific timing to instigate a press. Absolutely magnificent. Quite how Unai Emery did not play him at the base of his midfield, I will never know."> <div class="grade remove-native-227"> <div class="grade-header"> <div class="photo"> <img src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/01/arsenal-vs-manchester-united-player-ratings-mikel-arteta-changes-everything/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_200,h_200,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.arsenal.com%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fstyles%2Fplayer_featured_image_1045x658%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2FTorreira_1045x658_0.jpg%3Fitok%3DLJn9wPWN"> </div> <div class="border"> <h3 class="first-name">LUCAS TORREIRA</h3> <span class="position">CM,</span> <span class="team">Arsenal</span> </div> <div class="the-grade"> <h3 class="letter-grade">9.0</h3> </div> </div> <div class="details">MAN OF THE MATCH: Outstanding. Positionally disciplined, which has not always been the case, calm, composed and brilliantly simple in possession, and absolutely phenomenal defensively. Read the danger beautifully, was quick across the ground to cover gaps when necessary, turned over possession time and time and time again, and even charged out of the midfield with terrific timing to instigate a press. Absolutely magnificent. Quite how Unai Emery did not play him at the base of his midfield, I will never know.</div> </div>
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<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Grade" data-grade="7.0" data-name="MESUT OZIL" data-meta-a="CAM" data-meta-b="Arsenal" data-inner-content="Very similar to the Chelsea performance at the weekend. Perhaps not quite as mercurial and creative in the first half, but worked very hard off the ball and helped release his team from pressure at crucial moments also. Tired massively after the break and was ineffective for the final half-hour. Either needs to get fitter or be substituted. That he is buying into Arteta’s approach and working hard, however, is a major and surprising plus."> <div class="grade remove-native-227"> <div class="grade-header"> <div class="photo"> <img src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/01/arsenal-vs-manchester-united-player-ratings-mikel-arteta-changes-everything/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_200,h_200,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.arsenal.com%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fstyles%2Fplayer_featured_image_1045x658%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2FOzil_1045x658_0.jpg%3Fitok%3D6Y1DQ1Q_"> </div> <div class="border"> <h3 class="first-name">MESUT OZIL</h3> <span class="position">CAM,</span> <span class="team">Arsenal</span> </div> <div class="the-grade"> <h3 class="letter-grade">7.0</h3> </div> </div> <div class="details">Very similar to the Chelsea performance at the weekend. Perhaps not quite as mercurial and creative in the first half, but worked very hard off the ball and helped release his team from pressure at crucial moments also. Tired massively after the break and was ineffective for the final half-hour. Either needs to get fitter or be substituted. That he is buying into Arteta’s approach and working hard, however, is a major and surprising plus.</div> </div>
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<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/01/arsenal-vs-manchester-united-player-ratings-mikel-arteta-changes-everything/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Front Three </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 01: Nicolas Pepe of Arsenal celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on January 01, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)</p>
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<h4>Front Three</h4>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Grade" data-grade="7.5" data-name="NICOLAS PEPE" data-meta-a="RW" data-meta-b="Arsenal" data-inner-content="A very encouraging display. I will start with the negatives: he became largely ineffective after half-time as he tired, not working hard enough off the ball when pressing; he slowed down the play far too frequently, which is something that Mikel Arteta absolutely does not want. That said, he also produces terrific individual moments: he scored the opener, his freekick that led to the second was superb, he had Luke Shaw on toast more than a couple of times, he unfortunately hit the post with a lovely curled effort. Encouraging, but still work to do."> <div class="grade remove-native-227"> <div class="grade-header"> <div class="photo"> <img src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/01/arsenal-vs-manchester-united-player-ratings-mikel-arteta-changes-everything/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_200,h_200,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.arsenal.com%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fstyles%2Fplayer_featured_image_1045x658%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2FPepe_profile_1045x658.jpg%3Fitok%3DM5x_CZ9Y"> </div> <div class="border"> <h3 class="first-name">NICOLAS PEPE</h3> <span class="position">RW,</span> <span class="team">Arsenal</span> </div> <div class="the-grade"> <h3 class="letter-grade">7.5</h3> </div> </div> <div class="details">A very encouraging display. I will start with the negatives: he became largely ineffective after half-time as he tired, not working hard enough off the ball when pressing; he slowed down the play far too frequently, which is something that Mikel Arteta absolutely does not want. That said, he also produces terrific individual moments: he scored the opener, his freekick that led to the second was superb, he had Luke Shaw on toast more than a couple of times, he unfortunately hit the post with a lovely curled effort. Encouraging, but still work to do.</div> </div>
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<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Grade" data-grade="6.5" data-name="PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG" data-meta-a="LW" data-meta-b="Arsenal" data-inner-content="A little quiet from an offensive standpoint, making some poor decisions on the counter-attack and not scoring his customary goal, but still worked tremendously hard off the ball, which is a testament to his character as much as his ability. Playing out of position, Aubameyang performed his duty without complaint or hesitation. He may not have had his best performance here, but his attitude was superb nonetheless."> <div class="grade remove-native-227"> <div class="grade-header"> <div class="photo"> <img src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/01/arsenal-vs-manchester-united-player-ratings-mikel-arteta-changes-everything/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_200,h_200,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.arsenal.com%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fstyles%2Fplayer_featured_image_1045x658%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2FAubameyang_1045x658.jpg%3Fitok%3DD5w_ewVj"> </div> <div class="border"> <h3 class="first-name">PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG</h3> <span class="position">LW,</span> <span class="team">Arsenal</span> </div> <div class="the-grade"> <h3 class="letter-grade">6.5</h3> </div> </div> <div class="details">A little quiet from an offensive standpoint, making some poor decisions on the counter-attack and not scoring his customary goal, but still worked tremendously hard off the ball, which is a testament to his character as much as his ability. Playing out of position, Aubameyang performed his duty without complaint or hesitation. He may not have had his best performance here, but his attitude was superb nonetheless.</div> </div>
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<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Grade" data-grade="8.0" data-name="ALEXANDRE LACAZETTE" data-meta-a="ST" data-meta-b="Arsenal" data-inner-content="Really strong performance from Lacazette. He may not have got his much-needed goal, shanking a couple of decent opportunities well wide of the mark, but his overall impact on the match was outstanding. Won freekicks, help up possession with his back to goal, span defenders over and over again, dribbled well. This was Lacazette at his best, proving why he is a must-start centre-forward. He now just needs a goal."> <div class="grade remove-native-227"> <div class="grade-header"> <div class="photo"> <img src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/01/arsenal-vs-manchester-united-player-ratings-mikel-arteta-changes-everything/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_200,h_200,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.arsenal.com%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fstyles%2Fplayer_featured_image_1045x658%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2FLacazette_1045x658_0.jpg%3Fitok%3DWucaQRNh"> </div> <div class="border"> <h3 class="first-name">ALEXANDRE LACAZETTE</h3> <span class="position">ST,</span> <span class="team">Arsenal</span> </div> <div class="the-grade"> <h3 class="letter-grade">8.0</h3> </div> </div> <div class="details">Really strong performance from Lacazette. He may not have got his much-needed goal, shanking a couple of decent opportunities well wide of the mark, but his overall impact on the match was outstanding. Won freekicks, help up possession with his back to goal, span defenders over and over again, dribbled well. This was Lacazette at his best, proving why he is a must-start centre-forward. He now just needs a goal.</div> </div>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-97099" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/01/arsenal-vs-manchester-united-player-ratings-mikel-arteta-changes-everything/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1197008505-850x560.jpeg" alt="" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 01: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Manager of Manchester United looks on during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on January 01, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)</p>
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<h4>Substitutes</h4>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Grade" data-grade="6.0" data-name="REISS NELSON" data-meta-a="SUB" data-meta-b="Arsenal" data-inner-content="Rightly introduced for Nicolas Pepe on the hour-mark as he began to tire, Reiss Nelson struggled from an offensive standpoint but worked excellently in defensive phases, which is what Arsenal needed more at that time. Not his best, but industrious as needed."> <div class="grade remove-native-227"> <div class="grade-header"> <div class="photo"> <img src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/01/arsenal-vs-manchester-united-player-ratings-mikel-arteta-changes-everything/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_200,h_200,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.arsenal.com%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fstyles%2Fplayer_featured_image_1045x658%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2FNELSON_1045x658.jpg%3Fitok%3DM8WzpSd0"> </div> <div class="border"> <h3 class="first-name">REISS NELSON</h3> <span class="position">SUB,</span> <span class="team">Arsenal</span> </div> <div class="the-grade"> <h3 class="letter-grade">6.0</h3> </div> </div> <div class="details">Rightly introduced for Nicolas Pepe on the hour-mark as he began to tire, Reiss Nelson struggled from an offensive standpoint but worked excellently in defensive phases, which is what Arsenal needed more at that time. Not his best, but industrious as needed.</div> </div>
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<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="Grade" data-grade="7.0" data-name="BUKAYO SAKA" data-meta-a="SUB" data-meta-b="Arsenal" data-inner-content="Very bright. Composed on the ball, drove forward with purpose and pace, defended stoutly and looked fresh after a decent rest."> <div class="grade remove-native-227"> <div class="grade-header"> <div class="photo"> <img src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/01/01/arsenal-vs-manchester-united-player-ratings-mikel-arteta-changes-everything/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/w_200,h_200,c_fill,g_auto,f_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.arsenal.com%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fstyles%2Fplayer_featured_image_1045x658%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2FSaka_1045x658.jpg%3Fitok%3DXtzAEUrg"> </div> <div class="border"> <h3 class="first-name">BUKAYO SAKA</h3> <span class="position">SUB,</span> <span class="team">Arsenal</span> </div> <div class="the-grade"> <h3 class="letter-grade">7.0</h3> </div> </div> <div class="details">Very bright. Composed on the ball, drove forward with purpose and pace, defended stoutly and looked fresh after a decent rest.</div> </div>
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<p><em>There is no rating for Matteo Guendouzi.</em></p><!—pageview_candidate—>">
