Arsenal secured a vital 1-0 win at Manchester United to keep their title hopes alive, but it was a far cry from other away victories this season.
Mikel Arteta’s side put in a surprisingly disappointing display, but a first-half goal from Leandro Trossard was enough to seal the points against an out-of-form Man United side.
Erik ten Hag was missing key players in Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford, and Arsenal were perhaps lucky that their replacements could not punish the visitor’s lack of intensity and control over the game.
Arsenal dug in to secure the points, with William Saliba particularly impressive at the back, but a huge problem in Arteta’s squad was highlighted again, and he must address this in the summer window.
Arsenal lack of speed highlighted in victory over Man Utd at Old Trafford
This was Arsenal’s first win at Old Trafford with fans in the ground since 2006, and it was a repeat result of the last two victories at United, which also ended 1-0.
Arsenal were favourites going into the game, but did not replicate some of the 5-0 or 6-0 away scorelines they managed earlier this season.
Although Trossard played well for the most part, Arsenal could have attacked United’s defence more. It was a makeshift back line with Sofyan Amrabat and Casemiro joining the defence, but for long stretches of the game, Arsenal did not threaten them.
Man United actually dominated possession, and had 14 shots compared to Arsenal’s 11. Arsenal found themselves with space to attack on the counter, but the lack of speed in the front line meant these openings were wasted until Gabriel Martinelli came on.
The Brazilian added more speed and directness to Arsenal’s attack, creating one chance and firing one shot at Andre Onana, but Arteta now knows that this is an area he must address in the summer.
Arsenal need to sign a speedy winger in the summer
Martinelli threatened by virtue of his speed when he came on, but having suffered from a dip in form and confidence in recent months, he did not attack with the same efficiency as he has shown at his best.
Arsenal had no in-form, pacey attacker who could have terrorised United’s defence, in a similar manner to the way Alejandro Garnacho caused Ben White problems on the other team.
There have been links to Nico Williams of Athletic Bilbao, and it is now easy to see why. With Bukayo Saka also coming off injured, there was a lack of direct speed which could have helped secure the result more comfortably.
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Arteta must now address this as a priority. A winger who can add direct pace and a goal threat from either side, who could have made an impact as a substitute or come into the starting XI with Martinelli out of form, could have helped the Gunners punish United’s defensive vulnerabilities, to help mask the lack of control in midfield.