3 things learned from Manchester United 3-1 Arsenal
Manchester United defeated the Premier League leaders Arsenal F.C in a 3-1 thriller on Sunday evening at Old Trafford.
Goals from Anthony and Marcus Rashford – who netted twice – see Erik ten Hag’s United side leap into 4th position in the table, after being last on the table with zero points a few weeks ago.
That said, here are three things NFL picks from this Premier League as both sides open a new door to a stronger rivalry:
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1. Antony/Anthony and debuts go hand in hand
History repeated itself at Old Trafford on Sunday when Anthony scored on his debut against a bitter rival. The last time a big money signing by the name of Anthony scored on his debut was Anthony Martial in the North-West Derby at Old Trafford on 12 September as a 65th-minute substitute for Juan Mata and scored the final goal of a 3–1 win over Liverpool. The then-United head-coach Louis Van Gaal called it a “marvelous goal”.
Following his £85m transfer to Old Trafford, Antony made his debut against Arsenal and just like Anthony Martial did seven years ago against Liverpool, sealed it with a goal.
United fans were extremely excited about their new recruit, and the Brazilian showed his excitement to be at Old Trafford with a big performance in which he was unafraid to express himself.
2. Revival season for Marcus Rashford?
United’s first two games to the new season saw Marcus Rashford struggle so much, which were nothing but a horror show for the entire team, and many questioned whether the Englishman should remain in the team going forward or not.
However, since Rashford seems to have found his lost mojo again with a goal against Liverpool assist vs Leicester and two goals with an assist against Arsenal has seen him go for a revival of sorts.
The impressive thing about his performance now is that his goals have come in a similar fashion, an out-to-in run behind defenses from the left. This has always been where Rashford is most dangerous, and seeing him go back to this is a positive.
3. Another solid performance from defenders
Against one of the strongest offensive sides in the league so far this season, United’s men at the back once again held their own mostly, making it just two goals conceded in the last four games.
Raphaël Varane and Lisandro Martínez further developed what is looking to be one of the strongest defensive partnerships in the league, handling Gabriel Jesus with strength and aggression.