Arsenal and Man United failed to light up the Emirates and the game ended in a goal-less draw. THT looks at the major talking points from the game and it’s impact on the season.Ai??
Another big game and yet another less than flattering display by the big boys as Arsenal and Man United played out a rather tame draw. The two points dropped did neither team any good in their season end objectives. The Gunners failed to reclaim the summit whereas Man Unitedai??i??s top four ambitions are now a pipe dream.
There was so much riding on the game, especially from the home teamai??i??s point of view. After a shambolic display at Anfield at the weekend, Arsenal failed to redeem themselves as they couldnai??i??t put their opposition under any constant pressure. On the balance of play, neither team could really claim they deserved anything more from the game. It was a fair result but perhaps not the right result in the grand scheme of things.
Arsenal are predictable
United know how to blunt Wengerai??i??s side and have known that for some time now. Gunners are invariably allowed to have the ball but only in front of the United back four. Arsenal donai??i??t play with much width and it is relatively easy to set up a defense against an attack which wonai??i??t stretch you. United, yet again, were comfortable all game long and it was only when Arsenal put in the odd cross that Giroud troubled Vidic slightly. The home side had a sameness about their gameplay, the pace wasnai??i??t electric by any means and Unitedai??i??s hitherto shaky defense looked at ease. Walcottai??i??s pace and directness is surely a big miss for the Gunners.
Can Moyes get the best out of his three superstars?
Clearly Juan Mata, Van Persie and Wayne Rooney are Unitedai??i??s three premier attacking players; ergo Moyes would ideally want all three of them involved in most games. However, both Rooney and Mata are at their best in the hole behind the front man. Juan Mata can operate on the flanks and deliver handsomely, however the Spaniard is best utilized as a classic number #10. Perhaps a change of formation could bring the best out of the trio; Moyes would want the trinity to be operating closer to each other so that they could create some magic.
Giroudai??i??s unimpressive big game displays
With fourteen goals in all competitions, Oliver Giroud has had a pretty good season so far and itai??i??s certainly not his fault that Arsene failed to sign another striker to share the Frenchmanai??i??s burden. However, Giroud has looked a class below the likes of Suarez, Aguero and Van Persie in the really big games and that could make all the difference in the final reckoning. Everyman and his dog knows that Arsenal need a striker, but that can happen only in the summer. Till then Arsenal fans must hope the real Giroud shows up in the important games of which there will be many in the coming weeks.
Arsenal Verdict
Gunners could perhaps look at the result from two different perspectives. The optimistic view would suggest that another potentially tough fixture is out of their way and with Chelsea dropping points as well, they are at worst standing still in the title race. Conversely, one could argue that at home against an under-fire United side bereft of any confidence, Arsenal should have put them under the sword and stolen a march on their title rivals. As things stand, a point is not the end of the world but upcoming fixtures could add to their vow.
Man United Verdict
Itai??i??s been a torrid start to the New Year for the defending Premier league champions and the famous Murphyai??i??s Law is in action ai??i?? anything that can go wrong, well, has gone wrong. Over the last few days Unitedai??i??s league campaign has perhaps reached a point of beyond salvaging. Nevertheless, solely on the evidence of the game, United displayed a much improved performance and with better finishing could have come home with all three points. But, in the larger picture, that result coupled with results elsewhere should put to an end any miniscule hopes of Champions League qualification.
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