Rather than letting his right and left backs focus on premium defending, Arsene Wenger applies a formation that enables the flank defenders to become important assets of the Gunners attack.
Arsenal veteran right wing back, Bacary Sagna has never been one to hesitate on involvement in attack. The Frenchman is always a lively presence down the right hand side and aids his winger well.
However, the glaring fault in an otherwise consistent presence is the Sagna's inconsistent, astray crossing.
Since the arrival of the imposing presence of Marouane Chamakh this season, the Gunners now boast a physical presence leading the attack. Chamakh’s presence ensures the Gunners can utilise wide play crosses in hopes to succeed aerially.
However, once again Arsenal right back failed to provide a suitable cross which ultimately gave Marouane little to work with.
One cannot fault Bacary’s willingness but until the former Auxerre defender learns to better his crossing, he is a liability to the Arsenal attack.
Gael Clichy is struggling as Arsenal's left back
The majority of the opposition attack came through the middle of the park but when the Manchester midfield turned to their right hand attack in the form of Nani, the Red Devils looked the most dangerous.
However, the lacklustre efforts of Arsenal veteran left back certainly assisted Nani’s attacking prowess.
On numerous times, Gael Clichy was guilt-ridden of pitiable position, letting too much space and just pure weak defending. There was no surprise that the Portuguese winger of Manchester United glided down the right flank and past Gael to assist with the
opening goal.
Arsenal second-choice left-back is the English starlet Kieran Gibbs but the Englishman is still yet to be regarded as capable of surpassing Gael as Arsenal left-back, especially with consistent injury woes. But Kieran Gibbs is a promising prospect and many
foresee the English defender establishing himself as the new left back of the Gunners in the coming years.
Gael is seen as a leader in the Gunners line up and does boast immense experience. However if the Gael’s poor form continues, he may have to leave Arsenal.
Samir Nasri can only perform against small clubs
Samir Nasri has scored 13 goals and assisted 3 times in 21 games, which is an unbelievable achievement for the midfielder.
The young French midfield prodigy has straightforwardly been Gunners' player of the season so far, with his blazing speed and creative style of play tormenting a number of defences.
If Arsene Wenger and his were to triumph at Old Trafford, critics and fans alike knew Arsenal’s player of the season would have to continue his form and shine. It was not the case. Many may have thought Samir Nasri was not even playing.
In what was an anonymous, lifeless showing from the French, fans were left pondering how good Samir Nasri really is.
Majority of his strong showings have come against teams in the bottom half of the competition and many consider Nasri’s worst trait is his tendency to drift in and out of games as well as lacking consistency.
Manchester United's squad is better than Arsenal- plain and simple
Manchester United’s squad is better than Arsenal’s in any aspect of the game. Every single player of Manchester United is physically stronger and smarter than the Gunners.
No longer can ‘The Professor’ Arsenal manager blame injuries, inexperience and the goalkeeping conundrum. Plain and simple, Arsenal were outplayed by a better opposition.
Manchester's defence is stronger; their midfielder is smarter and handles physicality better. United’s goalie is world class and their attackers get the job done.
None of which Arsene Wenger and his men can do. At least not this season.
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