TOPS
The most expensive rookie of the summer transfer window could not have dreamed of a better scenario. Bought at a hefty price from West Ham (116 million euros), the English midfielder has made a successful debut in the jersey of Arsenal for four days. Author of a solid start to the season in front of the defense, the 24-year-old player has undoubtedly returned to the hearts of Gunners supporters this afternoon. His decisive goal in the 96th minute, against the historical rival, offers a very precious victory to his team. It was well worth an ecstatic celebration at the corner post.
Bukayo Saka well muzzled by Diogo Dalot, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli took things in hand offensively. Untenable on his left side, the Brazilian dribbler offered his captain the equalizer on a silver platter (28′). The two men continued to push in the second half, in particular the Norwegian at the initiative of many movements. The former Real Madrid player tried a lot, getting the decisive corner on his last shot of the game. Martinelli, from his left side, did not count his efforts to carry the Arsenal attack on his shoulders.
Fortunately, the English striker was there to bring danger to the Ramsdale goal. A clever scorer on the opener (27′), Rashford could have offered himself a double (78′) and given a decisive pass to rookie Rasmus Hojlund (72′). Eventually, the Red Devils star walks away frustrated after a rather convincing 90 minutes on his part. He was too alone in attack against the London defenders even if he too lacked precision. But amid the attacking slump, number 10 floated on. A new time.
FLOPS
In his duel from a distance with his compatriot William Saliba, the French striker existed very little at the forefront. Despite some judicious discounts in the first period, the former Monegasque died out over the minutes. His coach Erik Ten Hag did not hesitate to replace him with Hojlund (67′) for United’s first change. Martial had the opportunity to mark the spirits before the debut of the young Dane as holder, it is missed.
Another flagship rookie of the Gunners, the German attacking midfielder does not have the same success as Declan Rice. Very discreet in the first three games, Havertz still struggled in a torchbearer role. His failure in an ideal position at six meters (18 ‘) undoubtedly trotted in his head for long minutes. Even the VAR opposed him when he thought he was getting a penalty (60′). Replaced by Vieira (76’), the ex-Leverkusen striker will wait before getting everyone to agree in the Arsenal jersey.
Last season, the Red Devils only won a small point out of a possible 27 away against the Premier League top 10. And they seem to be on the same (bad) bases. Defeated at Tottenham (2-0) on the second day, Erik Ten Hag’s team did not hold up against the pressure from Arsenal. Too unambitious offensively, the teammates of Bruno Fernandes leave once again defeated from a hostile lawn of the Kingdom. A recurring evil which is likely to weigh heavily in a very competitive championship.
