Chapter 389: Arsenal
After the international break, Manchester United faced a tough challenge in the Premier League, hosting Arsenal at Old Trafford. This was a highly anticipated match, not only because both teams are iconic in the Premier League era but also due to the renewed clash between long-time rivals, Mourinho and Wenger.
Before the match, both managers exchanged verbal jabs through the media. However, when the game began, they shook hands courteously on the sidelines, masking the pre-match tension.
Before this match, Arsenal was fourth in the league, trailing United by six points. A loss would extend the gap to nine points, a scenario unacceptable for Wenger and Arsenal in their bid for the Premier League title. Thus, Arsenal aimed to continuously attack and overwhelm United at their home ground.
Mourinho also ordered his team to attack and win. From the first second, the match was intensely competitive.
Mourinho fielded United's strongest lineup, and Wenger did the same for Arsenal. The match was thrilling, with fans thoroughly entertained. After 15 minutes, the score remained 0-0, but both teams had combined for six shots—Arsenal with four and United with two. Fouls were plenty, with seven by United and six by Arsenal, highlighting the match's intensity.
Despite having a five-point lead in the Premier League, Mourinho surprised many by not playing conservatively against Arsenal. He chose an aggressive strategy, aiming to win through attacking football.
Mourinho wanted victory and the championship, hoping his team could emerge victorious from this direct confrontation. United was a team in rebuilding, reshaping every aspect.
Mourinho's excellent record against Wenger's teams played a part in his confidence. In their previous 11 Premier League encounters, Mourinho had five wins and six draws, remaining unbeaten. Mourinho's teams often performed well against Wenger's Arsenal, which always prioritized attacking football. Given Arsenal's current situation, they couldn't afford to be conservative.
The match was fierce and evenly contested. Commentators noted how exciting it was, with both teams contributing 17 shots in the first half. Although there were no goals, the game was far from dull.
From the start, both teams went full throttle. Wenger's choice to replace Xhaka with Elneny and play Ramsey on the left seemed overly cautious, leading to early confusion. Ramsey's struggles in his new position and Monreal's physical disadvantage against Valencia became apparent. Elneny, facing United's targeted pressing, made uncharacteristic passing errors under high pressure. Despite several United attacks, Cech's exceptional goalkeeping and a questionable penalty decision kept Arsenal in the game.
For United, Herrera's performance as a defensive midfielder was a highlight. His relentless running and tackling made life difficult for Arsenal's midfield. Carrick, tasked with organizing the midfield, complemented Herrera's efforts. Bruno, meanwhile, seemed somewhat isolated, relying on his exceptional individual skills. With a solid midfield, United exploited their wing play effectively, with Valencia dominating Monreal and Lingard and Rashford troubling Jenkinson.
Arsenal's traditional ground control game faced setbacks with Wenger's cautious lineup and subsequent confusion. United, on the other hand, employed a modern take on defensive counter-attacking football, maintaining pressure throughout.
Although the first half ended goalless, its intensity was undeniable. During the halftime break, Mourinho praised his players. Despite not scoring, their aggressive stance against Arsenal pleased him.
"Well done. Keep playing like this in the second half," Mourinho instructed.
As the second half began, United maintained their attacking momentum, engaging Arsenal in a direct duel. Wenger aimed to outscore United, believing that more goals would secure victory for Arsenal. Thus, Arsenal continued to attack relentlessly.
The fast-paced game saw both teams exchanging quick attacks, thrilling the fans. Wenger, however, noticed an issue: the game's rapid pace and frequent turnovers led to numerous errors, lowering the technical quality of play.
Wenger had hoped his aggressive lineup would overwhelm United, but instead, Arsenal seemed to be following United's tempo. The increasing errors signaled trouble. United's young players, like tenacious calves, fought fiercely to reclaim possession, disrupting Arsenal's rhythm. In contrast, Arsenal's attempts to regain possession appeared more perfunctory.
In the 63rd minute, Mourinho substituted the hard-working Lingard for captain Rooney and replaced Darmian with Blind at left-back. Wenger, however, made no immediate changes.
Mourinho, now highly animated on the sidelines, knew the outcome of this match would significantly impact United's morale. Beating Arsenal after victories over Manchester City and Liverpool would be a tremendous boost for the rebuilding team.
Despite his excitement, Mourinho was also anxious. With two substitutions made, his options for further adjustments were limited. Conversely, Wenger still had three substitutions available, offering more tactical flexibility.
Rooney, upon entering, played as an attacking midfielder, while Bruno moved to the right wing to face Monreal. Mourinho had identified Monreal as a weak point to exploit. Initially, Lingard had attacked Monreal; now, a stronger Bruno took over, further pressuring the Spanish veteran.
Bruno's speed forced Monreal into a desperate foul, earning United a free-kick, though Rooney's shot went over the bar. Rooney then drove forward, passing to Modric, who relayed it to Bruno. Bruno's clever dribbling and feints outmaneuvered Monreal, leaving him in the dust.
Bruno continued to torment Monreal. His quick movements and feints left the Spanish defender helpless. In the 73rd minute, Bruno's brilliant solo effort nearly resulted in a goal, but Cech's acrobatic save kept the score level.
United's relentless pressure finally paid off in the 78th minute. Bruno, once again beating Monreal, delivered a precise cross into the box. Rooney, perfectly positioned, headed the ball into the net, giving United a deserved 1-0 lead.
The Old Trafford crowd erupted in celebration, sensing a crucial victory. Arsenal, now trailing, desperately pushed forward, but United's defense held firm. Mourinho's tactical adjustments and the players' resilience ensured that United maintained their lead until the final whistle.
As the match ended, the score remained 1-0 in favor of Manchester United. The victory solidified their position at the top of the Premier League and dealt a significant blow to Arsenal's title aspirations.
Mourinho's tactical acumen and the team's spirited performance showcased their potential as serious title contenders. United's triumph over a strong Arsenal side was a testament to their progress and determination in the rebuilding process.
(End of Chapter)
Friends, if you want to read chapters in advance, subscribe to my patreon.