“I know we beat them but I’ve never played against such player in my whole career”: Arsenal star Bukayo Saka names ONE Man United’s player who was a nightmare to them yesterday

onsport

0 2 minutes read

{"remix_data":[],"remix_entry_point":"challenges","source_tags":["local"],"origin":"unknown","total_draw_time":0,"total_draw_actions":0,"layers_used":0,"brushes_used":0,"photos_added":0,"total_editor_actions":{},"tools_used":{"addons":1},"is_sticker":false,"edited_since_last_sticker_save":true,"containsFTESticker":false,"used_sources":{"version":1,"sources":[{"id":"395967450016211","type":"ugc"}]}}

Manchester United were disappointed after losing 2-0 to Arsenal, with set-pieces making all the difference.

While hopes were high pre-game, there was always an acceptance that Manchester United are still in the early stages of a project, while Arsenal are in year five.

So for Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 system to only be undone defensively by the Gunners’ freakish corner ability, is a testament to the work our head coach has done so far.

However, ultimately United losing 2-0 to Arsenal will be a bitter pill to swallow for some – with Matthijs de Ligt among those far from pleased with his and the team’s result.

Nonetheless, there was reason to be concerned. Malacia was tasked with stopping Bukayo Saka, who has been one of the league’s most in-form players.

Last week he made his return, featuring against Bodo/Glimt, and he looked like a player who had not featured for 18 months, even though Amorim praised him afterwards.

Malacia was outpaced and outmuscled for the Norwegian side’s second goal, and was substituted at half-time. He was then left out against Everton.

On a night when De Ligt was very solid, as usual for United, he was picked for post-game media duty on MUTV. With the Dutchman far from pleased.

Malacia performed well for United

It’s unclear if the original plan was to select Tyrell Malacia against Arsenal, or if it was influenced by Luke Shaw suffering an injury 24 hours ahead of the game.

Regardless, the Dutchman proved a real point. He was not off the pace, he was tenacious, alert, and above all, he was competent.

Arsenal’s two goals came from set pieces in the second half, after Malacia had been substituted. Below are Malacia’s statistics from the fixture.

3/4 duels won

2 interceptions

1 successful dribble

20/21 passes complete (95 per cent)

27 touches

In a performance where United were defending for large stretches of the first half, Malacia handled himself very well.

This was a positive development for United. The team may have lost, but along with Leny Yoro making his league debut in the second half, Malacia’s continued comeback was reason to take something from the game.

Booking ended Malacia’s night

Tyrell Malacia picked up a booking late in the second half. The referee showed the yellow card after Malacia tried to stop Arsenal taking a free-kick quickly.

If that was avoidable, Malacia showed he still has good timing, making an excellent sliding tackle where he had to be 100 per cent on it, as he was on a booking.

Ruben Amorim decided at half-time that he did not want to risk falling to 10 men, however, and opted to bring Amad on.

Malacia’s return has been carefully handled by Amorim, and he will be glad most of all that he came through it unscathed again. The solid performance was an added bonus.