The epic clash between Manchester United and Arsenal ended in a 1-1 stalemate as both sides failed to show the proper impact in the game. It was a drab display from both sides as there was a clear lack of quality and intent from both sets of players. It was a moment of magic from United players starting from Daniel James who led the counter-attack and covered a large part of the field before drilling in a diagonal ball to Marcus Rashford, who somehow managed to control it and played it into the path of Scott McTominay just outside the penalty area.
The 22-year old midfielder’s courageous shot from distance handed the Red Devils a very crucial lead going into halftime, as the ball ended in the top right corner of the net. However, the Gunners came back in the game in the second half as Pierre Emerick Aubamyeng calmly slotted it past David De Gea before it was judged offside by the linesman.
When VAR came into play the Gabonese forward was in a legitimate position as he slotted home the equalizer, therefore, the goal stood. McTominay had another chance to win it for Manchester United when his free header went inches above the crossbar late in the game.
Nicolas Pepe struggling to get going in a new league
The match lacked quality throughout, except a moment of brilliance from Scott mcTominay which gave United the lead in the game,e. However, Arsenal’s big-money signing from this summer is struggling to make an impact in the new league.
Pepe has been a shadow of himself ever since joining Arsenal from LOSC Lille. The difference in quality between both the league is an issue but the Ivorian has not found any form whatsoever. His out-of-control cross and over hit freekicks made him a frustrated figure. The Ivorian will need time to adapt as this is the first time he is playing outside of France and at 24 he has that time but he needs to start improving soon.
Scott McTominay star of the show for Solskjaer’s men
Ever since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has taken charge of Manchester United, he has always promoted young players to the first team. Academy players like Alex Tuanzebe, Andreas Pereira, Angel Gomes, Mason Greenwood have all featured under the Norweigian tactician. Among the bunch of talented academy players, Scott McTominay has been a revelation under Solskjaer.
The 22-year old midfielder has kept on growing as a player under Solskjaer. The long-range stunner against Arsenal is proof that he is working on different aspects of his game.
Solskjaer has time and again put his faith in the Scottish midfielder. By scoring against the Gunners he has proved that the trust is not misplaced. However, the Norwegian was not very happy when he missed a free header. It was possibly the chance to earn all three points from the fixture.
VAR comes to Arsenal’s rescue; saves them the blushes against Manchester United
VAR has not received a warm welcome in the Premier League. This is especially because of its controversial decisions made in the last few league matches. Here technology saved the day for Arsenal. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was quick to get in behind the defence. He calmly slotted it around De Gea to equalize. However, the goal was cancelled as the linesman raised his flag to suggest Aubameyang was offside.
Referee Kevin Friend consulted his VAR officials as it suggested a mistake from the linesman. Aubameyang was well behind the offside line. The goal stood for Arsenal. This time VAR came to Unai Emery’s rescue.
