Arsenal were frustrated by United’s shape, which was more akin to a 5-3-2 rather than a back three at the Emirates Stadium.
Ruben Amorim’s immediate progress at United was clear – Arsenal couldn’t carve their opposition open like they often had in the Erik ten Hag days.
Of course, Mikel Arteta’s side always have a trick up their sleeve thanks to Nicolas Jover.
Despite Gabriel Magalhaes’ untimely injury, Arsenal were still absolutely dominant from corners, with both Jurrien Timber and William Saliba netting from close range.
That being said, Amorim made some odd comments about both Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli at full-time.
Ruben Amorim claims that Arsenal were playing for corners vs Man United
Speaking at his press conference, Amorim claimed that both Saka and Martinelli weren’t interested in cutting inside and beating their man, suggesting that they were playing for corners instead.
A bizarre statement, especially considering that Saka is so often seen cutting inside to beat his full-back and causing opposition sides mayhem in the middle.
Arsenal won 13 corners against Man United, a number they haven’t achieved since they faced Southampton back in October.
Asked about Arsenal’s set-pieces, Amorim said: “They have big players for that. You can see it in every occasion Saka and Martinelli have a one-vs-one they go outside because they know if the cross goes well they can score and if it’s a corner they can score.”
Speaking at his own press conference, Arteta shared an interesting reply to what Amorim had noticed.
Arsenal were without Gabriel – with fans making some interesting comments about what he could have done were he fit.
But Arsenal still spotted a weakness that they could exploit from set-pieces, something Arteta alluded to.
Arteta said: “We play with inverted wingers so they double up as well, a lot of times [they go] inside so not a lot of space inside and when they leave [their position on the wing] there’s a lot of space for the full-back or for the six, and if not it’s for the nine.
“So we need to look at every angle, what they do [Man United] and where they can be weak, and we can exploit the weakness of the opposition.”
