Arsenal Player Ratings vs Manchester United: 9/10 Partey comes to the party in narrow win

Thomas Partey was immense while Gabriel Magalhaes shone brightly as well, as Arsenal defeated Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford on Sunday.

It was a dull game for most parts, with chances coming in few and far in between for both teams. However, it was Arsenal who had the best of the goalscoring opportunities in the first period, with Willian clipping the bar with a well-hit left-footed strike while Bukayo Saka missed a free header on the cusp of half-time.

Early in the second period, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was presented with a decent opportunity, but sent his effort wide. However, the Gunners’ skipper made no mistake from the penalty spot after Paul Pogba fouled Hector Bellerin in the box to score the only goal of the game.

Manchester United hardly offered any major threat to the Gunners’ goal on the day apart from one effort from Mason Greenwood in the first-half, and it was a well-deserved victory for Mikel Arteta & co. It was Arsenal’s first win at Old Trafford since 2006 and here’s how we rated the performances of their players on the night.

Bernd Leno: 6.5/10

Stayed alert to keep out Greenwood’s low effort out in the first period. Wasn’t tested much for most parts of the game, but showed good authority in his box to come out and collect crosses. Looked much more comfortable playing out from the back than he has in recent outings.

Rob Holding: 7/10

Starting as the right-sided centre-back, the Englishman was a solid presence as he constantly kept a vigil on Marcus Rashford. Strong in his challenges, rock-solid in the air, Holding also showed a mean streak, committing tactical fouls to stop United from getting in behind the defence. Was booked early in the first period, but did well to hold his discipline.

Gabriel Magalhaes: 8/10

The Brazilian has transformed the Arsenal defence since his arrival and was once again the proverbial rock at the back against Manchester United. Booked early for a foul on Rashford but that didn’t deter him from going into challenges in a strong and aggressive manner. Made 5 tackles and won 7 duels in the game, although he was a tad lucky to escape a second booking for a foul on Greenwood.

Kieran Tierney: 7/10

Another strong performance from the Scottish international, who picked his moments to overlap down the left flank intelligently, while being quite solid in his defensive duties.

Hector Bellerin: 7.5/10

Was a constant outlet down the right-hand side for Arsenal and the fact that Luke Shaw hardly looked to venture forward made his task easy. Hit a couple of great crosses in the first period, but Aubameyang and Saka weren’t able to apply the finishing touches. Won the penalty in the second period after a smart run into the box.

Thomas Partey: 9/10

Have Arsenal finally found their replacement for Patrick Vieira? A certain Roy Keane certainly thinks so. The new signing showed why the Gunners were so desperate to sign him this summer with a masterful midfield display at Old Trafford. Was a robust presence in midfield, constantly winning possession and quickly transitioning into attack.

Had the most number of touches by any Arsenal player (79), won possession the most times in the game (11), made the most number of successful dribbles (3) and completed four tackles as well. A top-notch all-round performance from the Ghanaian international.

Mohamed Elneny: 8/10

A surprise starter ahead of Granit Xhaka, the Egyptian repaid the faith shown in him by Arteta with an energetic display in the centre of the park. Struck up a fine partnership with Partey as the pair worked brilliantly in tandem to screen the Arsenal defence. Kept it simple when in possession, while also pushing forward whenever an opportunity presented itself.

Bukayo Saka: 7/10

Looked the most likely to make things happen in a dull first period and should have done better with his free header close to half-time. His combination play with Tierney and Aubameyang in the left-side channel made things difficult for Aaron Wan-Bissaka on the day.

Willian: 6/10

The Brazilian international worked hard in attack and was a lively presence at the top, trying to make things happen. Came close to open the scoring but saw his strike graze off the bar. Played Bellerin in with a perfectly-weighted pass in the lead-up to the penalty.

Alexandre Lacazette: 6/10

May not have scored or assisted a goal, but worked tirelessly at the top, leading the Gunners’ press from the front. Created a fine chance for his partner-in-crime Aubameyang early in the second half after pouncing on some loose play from the home team.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: 6.5/10

Not involved nearly enough in the first period as Arsenal weren’t quite able to bring their main forward into play. Had his first big chance of the game early after the restart and should have done better with his effort. But dispatched his penalty in a confident manner, ending his five-game goalless drought in the league.

Substitutes

Eddie Nketiah: 5/10

Replaced Lacazette for the final fifteen minutes or so. Didn’t much of note.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles: N/A

Came on for Willian in the 86th minute to shore things up.

Shkodran Mustafi: N/A

Late substitute for Aubameyang as Arteta looked to shut shop.