ARSENAL PLAYER RATINGS: Ramsdale should have saved Fernandes' opener
ARSENAL PLAYER RATINGS: Aaron Ramsdale should have saved Bruno Fernandes’ strike while Gabriel suffers confidence blow after his mistake allowed Jadon Sancho to score in defeat by Man United
- Arsenal were beaten 2-0 by Man United during Saturday’s pre-season friendly
- Several lapses in concentration and some poor defending cost the Gunners
- Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber both made their first starts for the London side
Arsenal succumbed to a 2-0 defeat by Manchester United during Saturday evening’s fiery pre-season friendly against Manchester United.
It was a physical encounter, typical of the fierce rivalry that has existed between these sides, but it was Erik ten Hag’s side who would take the spoils from the warm-up match, with new captain Bruno Fernandes inspiring his side to get the win.
The Portuguese midfielder would open the scoring driving a low shot from around 20-yards out at Aaron Ramsdale, but the ball seemed to catch a bobble right before the shot-stopper, who couldn’t quite keep out the shot.
Arsenal were left shocked soon after, with Jadon Sancho capitalising on a mistake from Gabriel, driving at the Arsenal goal before scoring a superbly taken finish from a tight angle.
Mikel Arteta picked a strong side for the game, that saw new signings Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber make their first starts for the club, while Kai Havertz also played 70 minutes, but failed to add to his goal tally after scoring against in the Gunners 5-0 win against the MLS All Stars last week.
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes (middle) inspired his side to a 2-0 win against Arsenal
The Gunners succumbed to two quick-fire goals after the 30-minute mark with Gabriel (right) conceding a mistake at the back to allow Jadon Sancho through to score
Sancho (left) would double Man United’s lead only seven minutes after Fernandes’ opener
Mail Sport brings you all the players ratings following the Arsenal and Man United’s clash across the Atlantic.
ARSENAL PLAYER RATINGS
Aaron Ramsdale – 5
Really should have saved Bruno Fernandes’ strike from the midfielder’s weaker foot, the ball deflecting from his palms into the net.
Jurrien Timber – 6
Played in an unorthodox position, straying into midfield. Looked composed on the ball.
William Saliba – 5.5
No mistakes for the two goals but will be frustrated at conceding.
Gabriel – 5
Confidence hurt after completely missing the ball which allowed Jadon Sancho through to score.
Takehiro Tomiyasu – 5.5
Threatening in attack and quick to get back. Though a lot United’s joy in the first half came on that left side.
Declan Rice – 6
Was much needed by the backline to try deal with the deliveries going over the top, but struggled to stop them at the source. Lots of energy in getting back and trying to disperse play forward.
Kai Havertz – 5.5
Tracking back was much better in the second half after caught failing to do enough of it earlier in the match. Found it difficult to break the ball into the wide areas of Saka and Martinelli.
Martin Odegaard – 6.5
Some effective through balls, and one of the team’s main routes towards the opposition goal.
Martin Odegaard (middle) was one of Arsenal’s stand-outs supplying plenty of creativity through midfield
Bukayo Saka (middle) was also one of the Gunners’ better players causing problems down the right wing for United
Eddie Nketiah (left) tried hard to pressure the United backline with pace but couldn’t get on the score sheet
Bukayo Saka – 6.5
Energetic on the wings, caused Luke Shaw problems. Provided a couple of effective crosses which should have come to more.
Gabriel Martinelli – 5.5
Had much of the ball in the first half. Should have scored when he had two consecutive shots at Tom Heaton.
MATCH FACTS
ARSENAL: (4-3-3) Ramsdale, Timber (White 59′), Saliba (Jorginho 71′), Gabriel, Tomiyasu (Tierney 46′), Rice (Partey 59′), Havertz (Smith Rowe 71′), Odegaard, Saka (Vieira 71′), Martinelli (Jesus 58′), Nketiah (Trossard 71′).
Subs not used: Balogun; Cozier-Duberry; Hein; Holding; Kiwior; Marquinhos; Runarsson; Trusty.
Goals: None
Bookings: Jesus.
Coach: Mikel Arteta
MANCHESTER UNITED: (4-2-3-1) Heaton, Wan-Bissaka (Lindelof 46′), Varane (Maguire 46′), Martinez (Forson 46′), Shaw (Dalot 46′), Mainoo (Williams 46′), Mount (Casemiro 46′), Fernandes (Eriksen 46′), Sancho (Rashford 46′), Antony (Diallo 46′, Pellestri 59′), Garnacho (McTominau 46′)
Subs not used: Bishop; Fernandez; Gore; Mejbri; Van de Beek; Vitek.
Goals: Fernandes 30′; Sancho 37′.
Bookings: Martinez; Maguire.
Coach: Erik ten Hag
Referee: R. Vazquez
Venue: MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, USA.
Eddie Nketiah – 5
Tried hard to pressure the United backline with pace but was largely ineffective at getting in goal-threatening positions. Had a good chance on 51 minutes which he dragged wide.
Substitutes:
Kieran Tierney – 6
Added defensive solidity after coming on in the second half and provided an avenue to getting crosses into the area.
Ben White – 6
Was wary of Marcus Rashford’s pace, but just about coped under pressure.
Thomas Partey – 6
Added solidity and air of calmness to the midfield in his 30-minute cameo.
Gabriel Jesus – 5.5
Did best to hold up play, but was frustrated with the lack of opportunities to run at the defensive line.
Leandro Trossard – 6
Quiet in the 20 minutes he got on the pitch.
The Gunners did put together some promising attacking moves, testing United on several occasions but lacked a clinical edge
Mikel Arteta (right) made several changes throughout the match and also started some of his new signings Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber
Emile Smith Rowe- 6
Got stuck in, energetically tried to make things happen in the centre.
Jorginho – 6
Solid and composed. A good option in the midfield for Arsenal.
Fabio Vieira – 5.5
No moments of note, though only had 18 minutes.
Manager: Mikel Arteta 5.5
Will be frustrated at how his team were unable to stop the United deliveries from coming over the top in the first half, and an inability for the attack to create many meaningful opportunities to score in the second half.
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