There’s a world of difference between using xG as part of your analysis and using it as your only analysis.
Because anyone who actually watched the game saw United put in a decent performance in the first half. Almost completely nullified Arsenal as an attacking threat, dominated possession and got into decent attacking positions a few times (only for a lack of real quality from our front three to let us down) That was one of our most evenly matched 45 minutes of football against a legitimate top team of the last several years.
Second half was obviously less impressive. Our subs played very poorly and our attempt to be more attacking allowed Arsenal to get on top. Shit happens. We’re a work in progress.
Oh and nobody said set-pieces don’t count. But when a team is accumulating the vast majority of its xG from corners bouncing around inside the six yard box then that’s a great example of why analysing the overall pattern of a game by xG alone is a mug’s game.
Excellent post