Manchester United were held to a 1-1 draw at home by
Arsenal on Monday in a Premier League game which was a poor imitation of some
of the past clashes between the clubs.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s 58th minute goal, given
after VAR review, cancelled out Scott McTominay’s well-struck opener on the
stroke of halftime, but it was a game which highlighted the weaknesses of the
two teams.
The result leaves Manchester United in 10th place
with just nine points, their worst start after seven games for 30 years and
they have won just one of their last six league games. Arsenal are in fourth
spot on 12 points but their nine-point gap with leaders Liverpool illustrates
just how far away they are from being real contenders.
This fixture is part of the folklore of the Premier
League era, producing some epic battles between Alex Ferguson and Arsene
Wenger’s title-winning sides. And while there is certainly a retrospective feel
to Old Trafford under the lights and in the rain, the only throwback on the
field was some of the heavy and late challenges.
There are multiple weaknesses in both teams but what
stood out when they faced each other was the utter lack of class and quality in
midfield. Arsenal look lightweight and lacking any real spine while Manchester
United, despite having Paul Pogba back from injury, were short of attacking
options and creativity.
United keeper David De Gea pulled off a fine
double-save in the 44th minute, pushing out a low shot from Bukayo Saka and
then doing well to keep out Matteo Guendouzi’s follow-up. Moments later, United
had the lead when Marcus Rashford found McTominay on the edge of the box and
his slightly deflected shot towards the top corner beat the motionless Arsenal
keeper Bernd Leno.
Arsenal got back on level terms in controversial
circumstances in the 58th minute with a goal from Aubameyang. United left-back
Axel Tuanzebe gave the ball away to Saka who threaded through to Aubameyang but
the linesman raised his flag well before the Gunners striker put the ball past
De Gea.
VAR review correctly showed that Harry Maguire had
played Aubameyang onside and the goal was then given. However, Manchester
United manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, appeared furious that the linesman had
flagged when recent practice has been for the flag not to be shown until the
end of a move.
McTominay then missed a glorious chance to secure
the three points and his growing reputation when, from an Ashley Young corner,
he headed over the bar from close range. Leno then made two good saves to keep
Unai Emery’s side on level terms. First he dived to deny Maguire’s effort from
the edge of the box and then reacted well to keep out Rashford’s stoppage time
free kick.
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