[wolvored]

We are half a season in with TH and arteta 2 and half seasons in. After another summer and with new owners with a lot of crap being shown the door and new players in, we will be challenging next season. Top 3 I reckon this season.

 

[#07]

To be frank, I'm still more than a bit disappointed by the result. Not blaming anyone in particular. Just feel like, having got back to 2-2, we should have seen it out. Its painful because we wanted this week to end in an unbelievable way. Instead we've fallen back down to earth with a bit of a bump. C'est la vie. Shake it off and see what we can do in the second half of the season I guess.

 

[Wheato]

It's worth noting how far we have come in 6 short months under Ten Hag. Last season, against the league leaders, we'd be shipping 4 or 5 goals.

Today we completed for that game, right up until the 90th minute. Infact, Arsenal have only conceded 16 goals this season, and we have scored 5 of them.

We were missing our main CDM and playing a team who had enjoyed a week off. Arteta has molded that team for 3 years and we are just starting off on our journey. We will smash this lot next season, when Ten Hag has his own players in.

The future is bright for us.

 

[DomesticTadpole]

We are half a season in with TH and arteta 2 and half seasons in. After another summer and with new owners with a lot of crap being shown the door and new players in, we will be challenging next season. Top 3 I reckon this season.

Maybe that is why we need owners with serious money, so the rubbish can just be shunted out even at minimum cost, just to clear the way for better players. We have to get a strong bench, a game changing bench, not just players who you can bring on to waste time.

 

[wolvored]

Maybe that is why we need owners with serious money, so the rubbish can just be shunted out even at minimum cost, just to clear the way for better players. We have to get a strong bench, a game changing bench, not just players who you can bring on to waste time.

TH came in the summer and signed players he was used to in the Dutch league. Im sure he has scouted further afield for the summer and has a good idea who he wants and second and third choices if the first doesnt come off. I hope we get a full buyout as this will prove the new owners have deep pockets.

 

[Ramshock]

I am quite confident we would have won this game with Casemiro.

 

[sugar_kane]

Arsenal fans being largely complementary about United over at r/PremierLeague.

Makes a change from reading the psychotic takes from some of our own fanbase.

At the end of the day we were narrowly beaten by the best team in the league, with our starting striker, right back and DM all injured.

Arsenal were dominating by the end but we didn’t look at all out of of our depth, it makes a huge difference from last season when we were getting routinely humiliated by the strongest teams.

 

[DomesticTadpole]

TH came in the summer and signed players he was used to in the Dutch league. Im sure he has scouted further afield for the summer and has a good idea who he wants and second and third choices if the first doesnt come off. I hope we get a full buyout as this will prove the new owners have deep pockets.

Think that first window it was easier for him to go for players he either knew or had worked with to try and get things up and running as quickly as possible. He has now seen the squad fully in action, knows who is never fit, so cannot be relied on, does not have the skillset he wants in his players and who does not have the mentality. It will be interesting who he wants in the summer and again hopefully we have the owners who will proved the players.

 

[lex talionis]

There are positives to take from this match, but it still feels like we dropped points that were there for the taking.

 

[Josh 76]

Think that first window it was easier for him to go for players he either knew or had worked with to try and get things up and running as quickly as possible. He has now seen the squad fully in action, knows who is never fit, so cannot be relied on, does not have the skillset he wants in his players and who does not have the mentality. It will be interesting who he wants in the summer and again hopefully we have the owners who will proved the players.

And he must have realised the PL is a more demanding league so may not got back to the Dutch league for players.

 

[KiD MoYeS]

Anyone who isn't a crybaby will understand today. As Shaw said, bit of a reality check. We look set for a comfortable top four finish. We don't have to play first or second in the league again this season, we will now probably be favourites in all of our remaining league games.

 

[DomesticTadpole]

And he must have realised the PL is a more demanding league so may not got back to the Dutch league for players.

Yep. Need robust players, it is a tough league and you need to fight for everything. I thank him dearly for bringing Licha to us.

 

[Siorac]

Anyone who isn't a crybaby will understand today. As Shaw said, bit of a reality check. We look set for a comfortable top four finish. We don't have to play first or second in the league again this season, we will now probably be favourites in all of our remaining league games.

Yeah it's understandable but thinking back to that utterly, ridiculously stupid Casemiro tackle on Wednesday makes my blood boil because today could have been much better but for that. Why oh why did he have to do it?

 

[SadlerMUFC]

Of course they can, but he actually does it quite a lot. I was as surprised as anybody that Fred didn't start, but as has been pointed out his best performances have been with Casemiro in the side as well, as against City. Fred alone would not have sorted out that midfield. Bruno is wasteful, Eriksen is exhausted and McTominay is McTominay. Wonder if we can twist Newcastle's arm to take him.

So you gave reasons why Fred shouldn't have started and then finished with reasons why he should have

 

[DomesticTadpole]

So you gave reasons why Fred shouldn't have started and then finished with reasons why he should have

Reading this thread is it any wonder my brain is addled.

 

[RedPed]

I'll only be watching the post match interviews on MUTV then it's a media blackout for me this week. Those disgusting Gooner fans! Ugh!

I even had to watch the second half of Al Nassr's game to see Ronaldo being average in the Saudi league just to make me feel better.

 

[12OunceEpilogue]

Great comments. I'm hopeful there's a fecking hell of a lot more to come from this side next season, if not this very season.

 

[KiD MoYeS]

Yeah it's understandable but thinking back to that utterly, ridiculously stupid Casemiro tackle on Wednesday makes my blood boil because today could have been much better but for that. Why oh why did he have to do it?

I know, but all things considered - not a terrible week. At least the next week of fixtures is in the cup. Be a huge lift to everyone if we make the league cup final. Also, the future ownership will hopefully become a lot clearer next month too.

 

[Lentwood]

Should really appreciate the fact we just saw two sides on the up going at each other and playing out a really good game.

Arsenal edged it but they were the home team, they're much further into their project, they didn't play midweek and we missed our most influential player

Not a time to be getting upset after all the crap we've put up with post-SAF!

 

[DomesticTadpole]

Great comments. I'm hopeful there's a fecking hell of a lot more to come from this side next season, if not this very season.

All off for a run tomorrow.

 

[VanHaal'sRedArmy]

The fact United fans are up in arms about this loss is a positive sign from where we were at this point last season.

Onwards and upwards!

 

[Wayne's World]

Disappointing and a bit gutted.

Our midfield cost us today, playing McTominay who literally is a liability in the centre of the pitch when we are on the ball and completely off the ball gave us nothing, Eriksen can't play in a big game anymore because his legs aren't there and no proper DM can cover the ground which he does lose and Bruno has literally no defensive discipline to his game, running around like a headless chicken while getting picked apart and not doing any tracking runners.

If we didn't have Casemiro we would be absolutely fecked this season, he's literally THE whole midfield we have because he makes everyone else tick around him and improves their game

 

[Castia]

We did alright and there are obvious upgrades needed to the team.

Arsenal went from never finishing in the top 4 to champions elect we need to have a decent summer (hopefully with rich new owners) and we won’t be far away.


The improvement under ETH is clear to see. I just hope we have the balls to cut the shite out of the team. McTominay, Maguire, Martial, Elanga etc should all be sold with a better quality of player brought in, it wasn’t long ago that Arsenal were starting Aubamayang and Lacazette every game.

 

[cletus7]

Well deserved. We are miles away from that kind of football

Don’t forget our performance against Spurs. We were much better than Arsenal that day. They had all their players and more rest and even then we nearly managed to come away with something.

 

[manclad1256]

Still no replay of our penalty shout end of the first half?

That will be deleted and missing from the archives. If it was arsenal it would be all over the media

 

[DRJosh]

This loss doesn’t feel as bad as the others we’ve endured over the years. It might even be encouraging. Perhaps because we know we’re moving in the right direction as a club and the weak links requiring improvement are clear to see for all.

Let’s cement top 4 and perhaps the League Cup. Who knows we could throw a few surprises against Barca in the Europa.

 

[Lost bear]

I agree with this.

Arsenal have some very good players (and Saka is exceptional) but most importantly not very many rubbish players. They have the right balance of technique, creativity, pace, stamina and defensive nous. Sure, you can single out the odd player and say he wouldn’t get in our team but the balance is where it’s at.

They have had the benefit of consistent coaching for three years as well and although it’s been up and down for them, they’ve recruited well and are settled.

Exactly. Three years versus six months.
Give it time, we’ll get there.

 

[Member 123428]

We looked good first half and perhaps looked more threatening than them.

Then we visibly tired second half and Arsenal got more and more control. Completely understandable given Arsenal were given half a week extra rest and didn’t have key players missing.

 

[TMDaines]

This loss doesn’t feel as bad as the others we’ve endured over the years. It might even be encouraging. Perhaps because we know we’re moving in the right direction as a club and the weak links requiring improvement are clear to see for all.

I think Arsenal only getting a late winner is kidding people. Arsenal had more touches in our box today than any team have had in any other team’s box this season, i.e. Arsenal were more dominant today territorially than any team has been in any PL match, even against Bournemouth, Forest etc.

You can believe we got a paddling today and not turn that into a referendum on whether we are having an acceptable season. This season has been quite good so far, but City, Arsenal and Brentford have all outclassed us away, and we have had some other lows too. It’s fine to acknowledge those things, whilst also loving our home wins in the big games.

 

[Gycraig]

Palace game massively screwed us over tbh, Casemiros yellow and the fatigue showed, we really could have done with a few subs but it is what it is

 

[Pogue Mahone]

I think Arsenal only getting a late winner is kidding people. Arsenal had more touches in our box today than any team have had in any other team’s box this season, i.e. Arsenal were more dominant today territorially than any team has been in any PL match, even against Bournemouth, Forest etc.

You can believe we got a paddling today and not turn that into a referendum on whether we are having an acceptable season. This season has been quite good so far, but City, Arsenal and Brentford have all outclassed us away, and we have had some other lows too. It’s fine to acknowledge those things, whilst also loving our home wins in the big games.

What you say there has literally nothing to do with the post you quoted Which is an entirely reasonable post that nobody rational could possibly disagree with. Fecking hell. Take a break. Haven’t seen you in weeks but two bad games and you’re fecking everywhere.

 

[Still ill]

Impressive in the end from Arsenal. We knew we were up against it today and we didn't find out anything we didn't know about ourselves. But hey, we're out there today without the guy who has transformed our game against clearly the best team in the league so far on their own patch and we stuck in there till the bitter end. Loads still to be positive about. Take a deep breath, look at where we started the season, ask ourselves what we hoped for from this season and I'm still thrilled with how it's going.

 

[Jezpeza]

Palace game massively screwed us over tbh, Casemiros yellow and the fatigue showed, we really could have done with a few subs but it is what it is

Its a mixed bag. We’ve come a long way even in the last 6 months and ETH is building a very good first 11 but theres still players we need even for that (a right back, a midfielder, a striker and probably a more adept on the ball goalkeeper). Then past that theres nothing in several positions and theres an enormous drop off in others. We lost that game today mainly because our midfield was as useful as a wet paper bag.

The Palace game didnt help and we are very short of players to rotate in - were we going to play 2 of pellestri/garnacho/elanga today to rest rashford or antony?

we remain much a work in progress

 

[trevor newnham]

I guess it shows how much we have come that Iwas actually looking forward to this game. Last season, I would have been watching it from behind the sofa. We were , in fact, beaten by the better side but we had our chances - could in fact have won it. And that was with 9 men because McTominay and Antony offered very little, Erickson and Bruno not much better. We certainly missed Casemiro but I would have started Fred instead of McTominay - he has more energy.

 

[Blood Mage]

We've gone from being arguably the worst team in the top half of the table last season and very lucky to finish 6th, to arguably the 3rd best team in England. That's amazing progress.

 

[Orange Tree]

If there is anything to blame, it's the Palace game. We could have won with Casemiro and a proper midweek rest.

 

[TMDaines]

What you say there has literally nothing to do with the post you quoted Which is an entirely reasonable post that nobody rational could possibly disagree with. Fecking hell. Take a break. Haven’t seen you in weeks but two bad games and you’re fecking everywhere.

Pogue, your problem is that you increasingly believe your present equilibrium and viewpoint is the only possible rational one. There’s plenty of people who mindlessly kneejerk or throw the baby with the bathwater in response to every loss, but there’s also plenty who can engage honestly and critically about getting outplayed, or have a more nuanced appraisal of our season so far.

I was presenting an alternate view that, in contrast to this poster, I did feel that this was a pretty comprehensive loss comparable to many we suffered under Ole, Rangnick and ETH earlier this season.

If you want to engage with me, do so. If not, stop just giving me ad hominem responses in lieu of anything substantive. Stick me on your ignore list if that would improve your time here. Sorry, I don’t post regular updates from Old Trafford during our home matches.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

Pogue, your problem is that you increasingly believe your present equilibrium and viewpoint is the only possible rational one. There’s plenty of people who mindlessly kneejerk or throw the baby with the bathwater in response to every loss, but there’s also plenty who can engage honestly and critically about getting outplayed, or have a more nuanced appraisal of our season so far.

I was presenting an alternate view that, in contrast to this poster, I did feel that this was a pretty comprehensive loss comparable to many we suffered under Ole, Rangnick and ETH earlier this season.

If you want to engage with me, do so. If not, stop just giving me ad hominem responses in lieu of anything substantive. Stick me on your ignore list if that would improve your time here. Sorry, I don’t post regular updates from Old Trafford during our home matches.

Re-read his post ffs.

He made no claims whatsoever about this being a close game, or that it wasn’t a comprehensive loss (although, for the record, it wasn’t)

You’re just looking for any excuse at all to post lengthy very similar posts (away record, xG, blah blah) about how we’re doing much worse this season than most people think.

And spare me the “I’m at Old Trafford so can’t post after home wins” crap. It’s almost midnight and here you are.

 

[Gerald G]

He wasn't amazing or anything but is it just a coincidence that we lost all control once Antony came off? I feel like he gives us more balance and retains the ball well/is an outlet. I feel like Zinchenko had so much space when Antony came off and I thought it was similar vs Palace.

 

[tinfish]

Fantastic game overall for the neutrals. United, although second best showed glimpses of what they are building towards.

I just want to mention that Zinchenko was an absolute monster today. A cheat code - essentially a modern CM playing LB.

I feel this is what we wanted to do with Martinez initially, as he has the ability to ping delightful balls, and has the tenacity and stamina to replicate Zinchenko. Heck, even Pep is doing the same and allowing Lewis a free role in the RB position.



This touch map is insane. I suspect that’s why many of you felt like we were playing with an extra man. It’s true to an extent during the intense start of the game (before we faded) and towards the end of the second half.

Great game overall, can’t beat a classic fixture.