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“I’m not trying to criticised Arteta but there are TWO prayers who shouldn’t have benched yesterday…It was the reason behind why we can’t score much goals”: Arsenal captain Ødegaard query Arteta for benching TWO key players against Man united
Arsenal kept up their hopes of the title with a solid, if unspectacular, win over Manchester United. Goals from Jurrien Timber and William Saliba, both from corners, were enough to secure the three points for the hosts at a wet Emirates.
This result and performance will have told new Man Utd manager Ruben Amorim a lot about the size of the task on his hands.
Here Telegraph Sport appraises both hosts and visitors – who was as wet as the weather and who was able to shine brightly in the gloom?
Arsenal (4-3-3)
David Raya
Received a standing ovation from the home crowd after a fabulous save to deny Matthijs De Ligt. Assured in possession, as he always is. 7/10
Jurrien Timber
Not signed for his aerial power but was in the right place to score his first Arsenal goal. Such a dynamic and versatile footballer. 7/10
William Saliba
Arsenal’s standout player in the first half, surging past challenges and stopping counter-attacks, and then a goalscorer in the second. 8/10
Jakub Kiwior
Filling in for the injured Gabriel, he did an excellent job. United’s forwards offered nothing, in part because Kiwior and Saliba were so physically dominant. 8/10
Oleksandr Zinchenko
Booked in the second half after losing Amad Diallo but had provided control and patience with his passing before his substitution for Mikel Merino. 6/10
Martin Odegaard
Struggled at times in the first half as United restricted his space in midfield. As the game opened up, though, the Arsenal captain began to find his stride. 7/10
Thomas Partey
Like Odegaard, he grew into the game after the break. Moved to right-back in the second half and was solid in that defensive role. 6/10
Declan Rice
Drove Arsenal forward after the break, going close to scoring and then creating Timber’s goal. United could not handle his power in midfield. 8/10
Bukayo Saka
Will be disappointed he did not score from Odegaard’s neat pass but was a constant threat in the second half. His set piece deliveries are deadly. 7/10
Kai Havertz
German forward was unable to link up with Odegaard and Saka as normal, instead having to battle with United’s three centre-backs. Kept working. 6/10
Gabriel Martinelli
A difficult night as United doubled up on him. When he had space, he did not make the most of it. Replaced by Leandro Trossard, who was more dangerous. 5/10
Substitutes
Merino (Zinchenko 71), Trossard (Martinelli 71), Jorginho (Odegaard 90)
