We were treated to another incredible Arsenal vs Man United spectacle in the FA Cup 3rd round, which featured goals, red cards, and a penalty shootout.
Man United were the team who came out on top, and progressed to the next round. Here, we look at five things we have learned from the game that took place on Sunday.
Altay Bayindir dominance
Before the Arsenal match, Ruben Amorim confirmed Altay Bayindir would start in goal ahead of first-choice Andre Onana.
Despite Bayindir’s recent poor showings against Tottenham in the Carabao Cup, Amorim had kept faith with the 26-year-old and trusted him against the Gunners.
Bayindir looked shaky at the start of the game by giving away possession too often, but he stepped up and delivered a brilliant penalty save to deny Arsenal in the second half. The Turkey international then produced several world-class saves, including in the penalty shootout, which saw Man United go through.
Onana’s position as the first-choice goalkeeper will not be as secure as it was going into the weekend. But it could turn into a healthy rivalry for Man United.
Alejandro Garnacho redemption
Despite Marcus Rashford opting for an exit, Garnacho has instead fought his way back into Amorim’s plans after being left out of the Manchester derby with the England international.
There had been several reports this week that clubs had contacted United over Garnacho, but Amorim has made it clear that he still had a future at United.
Amorim’s decision has been justified as he set up Fernandes for the opener against Arsenal. Garnacho now has eight goals and five assists in all competitions this season. He is on track for his highest goal-contribution season yet.
Amorim’s genius substitutions
Ruben Amorim’s substitutions were pinpoint in Manchester United’s victory over Arsenal.
Bringing on Joshua Zirkzee for the struggling Rasmus Hojlund proved crucial, with the Dutchman scoring the decisive penalty to send the Red Devils through.
Amorim also subbed in Toby Collyer, with his high work rate and energy helping United see out the game.
These changes that Amorim made were spot on and played a key role in giving United a chance to retain the FA Cup in the next round.
United’s disciplinary issues
Not only was Fernandes yellow carded for dissent in the first half, but Diogo Dalot received two yellow cards in less than 20 minutes to reduce United to 10 men.
To make matters worse, Arsenal had equalised just moments after the red card to increase away side’s misery.
United also went down to ten men against Tottenham Hotspur, and Wolverhampton Wanderers on Boxing Day.
Whilst Amorim is building a solid foundation, the discipline in the team must be acted upon as this will harm the Red Devils in future matches.
Arsenal must act in January
Before the game against Man United, Arsenal were already short in the attacking department with Bukayo Saka and Ethan Nwaneri suffering injures, which has depleted the right-hand side.
Things went from bad to worse for Mikel Arteta with Gabriel Jesus being stretchered of with what is believed to be an ACL injury.
But, with just over two weeks remaining in the January transfer window, Arsenal have a great chance to strengthen their attacking ranks to put a title-race back on track.
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