After this latest international break – the last for several months – Manchester United visit Arsenal in a game which could go any way.
We fully expect an entertaining game and believe that Manchester United will kickstart their season with a win. And it’s well within their capabilities against an Arsenal side that once more looks vulnerable and beatable due to Arsene Wenger’s scarcely beleivable refusal to buy a proper anchor man for the midfield.
This picture, courtesy of Sky Sports (via The Daily Mail), shows that Arsenal had no fewer than 8 men in front of the ball when Swansea began the attack which brought he equaliser.
We love the attacking philosophy and it often pays dividends. But playing in such a cavalier way with so little time to go, and a fragile lead intact, seems a little reckless. Of course, if Arsenal had a monster in the midfield Swansea might not have scored.
Anyway, from Manchester Untied’s perspective, the point is that Arsenal play with a very high line. Angel di Maria has had an impressive start to his Manchester United career but he has seldom got in behind the opposition defence and must now realise that this ain’t La Liga. Defences in England are tighter, more physical and perhaps better versed.
But, unless Wenger changes his tactics before the game at The Emirates, then Angel is going to get a lot of time and space in behind their rearguard.
Whether has can exploit that space is another matter. But he will surely enjoy the green spaces in front of him come 22nd November. We think that it could be his best game for Manchester United, if fit of course.
Manchester United fans: are Arsenal’s defensive tactics perfect for Di Maria?
