Compare your expectations before the game with reality.

Expectation. Ten Hag will announce the hunt for Zinchenko

Complete bankruptcy of the players Manchester UnitedThe hunt was unsuccessful. In the first half, Zinchenko picked interesting options, but that was just a preview. Passes passed, the first goal was created with the help of Alexander. Early in the second half Anthony received a yellow card for a foul against Zinchenko. Lateral became the controller and directed the game, and there was no person to interfere with him.

Arsenal’s second goal is the individual creativity of the magnificent Bukayo Saki, but the victory was brought by Zinchenko’s link from the left. The referees have a special system for determining offside. He showed that in two phases of the attack the Gunners players had no offside. Manchester United did not catch the former player SM with championship experience (4 titles in Premier League), so he lost.

Expectation. The match will be successful

A 2-1 win for Arsenal was more likely than such a thriller. But who refuses a delicious dessert? The total stat in favor of the Gunners is 25:6 in shooting, 17:3 in the last assists. But more important are the numbers they allowed Manchester United so long to claim a draw – 5:4 on shots on target. Sure, Ramsdale came up with one of the approaches, he might have played better on the way out, but Manchester United definitely not turned into Tottenham since the recent derby, when Spurs were only allowed to wake up when the score was 2-0 in favor of their opponents. In general, Arsenal were in the lead, but both teams tried to attack until the guests got tired. This is especially true for Eriksen, age has had an impact.

Expectation. Rashford will run away multiple times

When a football player is in such a luxurious shape, the bet becomes logical. Since then Marcus has scored against every recent opponent world Cupexcept Crystal Palace. Arsenal was no exception, because in the first half the Englishman clearly took the lead, confidently adjusted and delivered a treacherous blow – low, prickly. It’s hardly necessary to blame Ramsdale for a goal into the “goalkeeper’s corner”, because the defenders didn’t close the shot, division of responsibility. The goalkeeper fell victim to Rashford’s chic work. Although Marcus, of course, could not put these moments on the air. I tried to equalize the score after the break and ran away – it didn’t work.

Expectation. Arteta will avenge the defeat from Manchester United

Mikel managed, although ten Hag was close to a draw, useful for the fight for a ticket to the Champions League. The Gunners’ only complete disappointment of the season Premier League so far – one defeat at Old Trafford. But at home in the league, Arsenal didn’t concede a goal Manchester United over five years. But the failures away together with the team’s progress of ten Haga – a series of five wins and a draw Premier League, suggested that only Arteta’s perfect tactical preparation for the match would help Arsenal score three points and take revenge on their eternal rivals. Actually, he did. Mikel used many classic tricks to win. Chief among these is Zinchenko’s pass in the center of the field.

Expectation. Without Casemiro the guests will lose their balance

Slenderness appeared together with Carlos at the base. He received a disqualification: it became more difficult to restrain the opponent and not sit on his own goal. It wasn’t easy for Eriksen and McTominay against Arsenal’s mobile centre, where Zinchenko has always been. But an unexpected hero of the wide pressing appeared: Fernandes worked clearly before the interval, closing the shifts of Sack and Martinelli on the semi-flanks. Manchester United tried to play strictly. But without Casemiro, there was no common thread in this whole process of working off the ball. They held on, but sat deep in the second half, Fred did not save. “Arsenal” stubbornly and consistently bent its line.

Expectation. Odegaard will be among the heroes of the duel

There is a young lady here. Xhaka famously moved to the left flank and set up Arsenal’s first goal. Saka helped in the second case. Nketia is generally handsome: he now has 13 home goals after 13 games at Arsenal’s start (just 19 goals in 26 games).

But Captain Odegaard, although he opened correctly, failed to score, being in a luxurious position. Free areas in the middle of the field Manchester United enough, but Martin didn’t stand out. There was not enough pace, maybe there are health problems. Tomiyasu, who was released to make Rashford breathe worse, can also be commended. But the Norwegian had far from the best duel. He chose the right position, but he was slow. It’s unusual to see him. Nketia usually hesitates.

Expectation. Positional attacks Manchester United not impressed

Undoubtedly an understandable rate, but also an important nuance. Arsenal have a 4-4-2 defence. Arteta persuaded the players of the team, who loved to play defense in the style of classic Spartak, to change their approach. He attacks opponents aggressively. Good for balls. Ramsdale is saved by backlash on the lines. Without Casemiro, poor Fernandes destroyed a lot, and Eriksen was burdened with hard work. Therefore, Weghorst was left without the ball. Anthony and Rashford stayed with the technical slaloms. No wide-angle positional attack Manchester United too early to talk about the championship. Casemiro needs a center forward and teammate, even if I’m sketching the playoffs Champions League are available.

Expectation. Arsenal can win

It wasn’t easy, the 2:2 draw loomed in front of the home coach’s nose. Arteta received a yellow card before the break. But Arsenal now play as if there were no past childhood seasons, they are strong-willed and emotional. Today, just unlucky with Ramsdale’s outing, Aaron unsuccessfully hit the ball right to Martinez’s head. By the way, the world champion looked interesting, although Nketia avoided him and Varana twice. But Lisandro’s luck on the opponent’s goal forced Arsenal to press in, the finish proved brilliant. Nketia was in the right place at the right time and Zinchenko was in charge of preparing the goals. Alexander has 57 accurate passes per game. Anthony, Fernandes and Rashford have only two more passes total.

The victory was won by the team that met a worthy opponent, but showed character. 25:6 – a big difference in shots, as well as xG – 2.49 by 0.29 in favor of the hosts. The algorithm that calculates the probability of winning, based on statistics, gave Arsenal 88%, and only 2% Manchester United. The visitors were close to a draw, but if you’re looking for the winner, then there’s only one choice. Recently, Arsenal were among the clubs as clumsy as poor Everton, and now they have 50 points per half in the Premier League.