Arsenal win at OT for the first time in 14 years.
In a week where belief from some sections of fans seemed to have wavered, his methods criticised and some key decisions questioned, Mikel Arteta delivered the kind of tactical masterclass that made fans sing his praises and wax lyrical on his name some 12 weeks ago. His Arsenal side beat Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford.
The 0-1 loss to Leicester 7 days ago was largely seen as a wake up call. An appreciable section however, raised concerns about lack of creativity in the team and questioned the manager’s system. Even a 3-0 dominating performance at home to Irish side, Dundalk in the Europa league was little compensation. For Arsenal, all that mattered was the trip to Old Trafford.
It had been 14 years since Arsenal got a win at the ground of their old rivals, 5 years since they were victorious away to any big six side at all. Considering the Gunners’ uninspiring form ahead of the fixture, this was set to be one of those games. Furthermore, United’s 5-0 midweek win in the UCL, at home to RB Leipzig, did very little to offer the Gunners any hope either.
For United and manager Ole Gunnar-Sølksjaer, the win in midweek was supposed to be the moment they turned the corner in what has been a poor start to the season. Ole’s newly preferred midfield diamond setup shone against the Germans and very much like the blue print going forward . Four days later, and before it could see the light of day, Arteta’s Arsenal plunged holes and exposed the frailties of the system.
In central midfield, Mohammed El-Neny and Thomas Partey dominated and controlled the midfield, shutting down every United attack and rendering their attacking players as ineffective as it gets. The Egyptian’s tireless work rate was on display for 94 minutes while new signing Thomas Partey produced one of the most controlling midfield performances by an Arsenal player at Old Trafford in a very long time. The other new signing,Gabriel Malgahaes, produced a brilliant display in defence with his performance nothing highlighted by a last ditch tackle on United substitute Nemanja Matic in the final minutes of the game.
In the end, Arsenal got out of Old Trafford with the feeling they could and should have got more than a goal. Pierre Emerick Aubameyang missed a few opportunities of his own and on a good day, would have got more. However, the Arsenal captain, made no mistake for the winner from the penalty spot in the 72nd minute, after Hector Bellerin was felled in the box. There are still concerns about how blunt the Arsenal attack is, but for now, a first win in 29 away games vs the top 6 sides gives more reason to cheer.
Where does this leave Ole?
For the first time in 48 years, Manchester United are without a win in their first four home games of the season. The contrast in the performances in the Champions League and Premier League leaves fans split and in two minds. With the team lying in 15th spot, performances like that of Sunday’s is going to ask even more questions of the manager.
Ronaldo at the brace in post COVID comeback
Cristiano Ronaldo scored a brace after coming on in Juventus’ 4-1 away win over Spezia. With the score tied at 1-1, Ronaldo, making his first appearance in close to a month, rounded the keeper 3 minutes after coming in the 59th minute to give Juve the lead. He then rounding off the scoring with a cheeky penalty in the 79th minute. After a poor showing in midweek against Barcelona, Juventus will be looking to kick on from this and to help matters, they have their star man back!
Hazard scores in first Madrid Start
Karim Benzema (2) and Federico Valverde were also on the scoresheet as Madrid thumped Huesca 4-1 in a much needed response after their UCL disappointment in Monchengladbach. Eden Hazard hit a left footed 25-yard screamer to open the scoring. The €100m signing from last season has struggled with injuries since he made the move to the Spanish Champions and on his first league start since his return, he put up a stunning display as Madrid blew the newcomers away.
Asamoah Gyan returns to GHPL
Former Black Stars captain and Ghana’s all time top scorer, Asamoah Gyan has returned to the Ghana Premier League. The veteran striker signed for Accra based Legon Cities FC on a short term deal said to be worth $1m. The signing of Gyan transcends on pitch value as he also presents a huge commercial opportunity to the club and to a larger extent, the league as a whole.
When the 2020/2021 Ghana Premier League set to kick off on November 13, the former Liberty Professionals,Udinese and Sunderland striker will be lining up for Legon Cities Football Club.
The Green Turf 