Player Ratings: Manchester United 1-1 Arsenal

The result flattered the visitors who did not register a shot on target until Giroud’s 89^th minute goal. Although, Arsenal had more possession, Man Utd were more dangerous throughout the match. Mourinho’s men deservedly took the lead when Mata fired home from a pinpoint Herrera cut back with 20 minutes to go.

Man Utd continued to forge opportunities but could not add to their lead and were punished for their profligacy in attack late on.

This result ensured this would be Arsene Wenger’s 12^th Premier League game without a win against Mourinho. On the other hand, this is the third home game on the trot Manchester United have failed to win.

Man Utd

D. De Gea (5) – Was barely tested throughout with his only significant moment came from picking the ball out the net after Giroud’s powerfully headed effort. 

A. Valencia (8) – Galloped up and down the wing effortlessly, causing Monreal all sorts of problems. He should have earned his side a penalty after being bundled over clumsily by Monreal.

P. Jones (7) – Looked assured at the back and was rarely threatened by Arsenal’s pace in attack. Has done brilliantly since his return to the side. 

M. Rojo (6) – Still looks a potential liability at the back but the Argentinian wasn’t tested defensively by Arsenal’s attacked and had a relatively easy afternoon. 

M. Darmian (6) – Could have been sent off for two bookable offences but luckily Andre Marriner was lenient on this occasion substituted shortly after.

M. Carrick (6) – Was a calming presence in front of the back four, his inclusion in the side gives Mourinho’s team balance. However, his passing was uncharacteristically wayward on occasions.

A. Herrera (7) – Is rapidly becoming an indispensable player for united and he was dynamic in midfield again. He controlled the midfield and it was from his pinpoint cut back that assisted Juan Mata’s opener.

P. Pogba (8) – Beginning to find his feet at Old Trafford and is starting to recapture his Juventus form. He sprayed the ball around superbly and caused panic in the Arsenal when receiving the ball on the half turn.

Juan Mata (8) – Scored a brilliantly taken goal and always looked like he could carve open the Arsenal defence.

A. Martial (6) – Had bright periods throughout the game but did not build on those moments before he was eventually replaced by Rooney.

M. Rashford (6) – His pace and runs behind the Arsenal backline caused plenty of problems. Got beaten easily by Oxlade-Chamberlain in the build up for Arsenal’s equaliser.

Subs

W. Rooney (6) – Came on as a striker and made a decent contribution to his side.

D. Blind (6) – Came on for Darmian and did well.

M. Schneiderlin (N/A) – Did not have enough time to make an impact.

Arsenal

P. Cech (6) – Had far more to do than his united counterpart and got down superbly to stop Juan Mata’s effort in the first half but could do nothing to stop his goal.

Jenkinson (4) – Struggled against the pace of Martial and Rashford who had the beating of the Arsenal right back.

L. Koscielny (8) – Imposing presence at the back and domineering in the air – easily his sides’ best performer.

S. Mustafi (7) – Was left exposed by Rashford’s pace in behind early in the game but settled well and showed great positional sense.

N. Monreal (5) – Could not get close to Valencia all game and clumsily brought down the Ecuadorian inside the box but luckily for the Arsenal left back, the referee was lenient.

M. El Nenny (6) – His passing lacked urgency, he preferred to go for the simpler pass rather than riskier passes which allowed Man United time to regroup.

F. Coquelin (6) – Never drifted from his position just in front of the back four, his passing was not up to his usual standard and was beaten too easily by Pobga on numerous occasions.

T. Walcott (5) – Should have taken advantage of Darmian’s booking but failed to test the United full back.  Did not track Juan Mata’s run for the opening goal.

M. Ozil (4) – A non-entity for Arsenal, never looked likely to replicate his recent form. Failed to find any space or find his teammates in dangerous positions.

A. Ramsey (4) – Offered very little on the left-hand side – was moved centrally in the latter stages but continued to offer his team little.

A. Sanchez (6) – Played with a tight hamstring and it was clearly visible based on display today. Retreated too deep too often, leaving Man Utd’s defence with nothing to do.

Subs

O. Giroud (7) – Bailed his team out with a fantastic header.

G. Xhaka (6) – Had little influence on proceedings.

A. Oxlade-Chamberlain (7)  – Came on to replace Jenkinson at full back. He darted past Rashford and sent over a perfect cross for Giroud.