Ian Wright has spotted something ‘strange’ that Mikel Arteta might have planned in Arsenal’s 1-0 win against Manchester United.
The Basque coach secured only his second victory ever at Old Trafford with Arsenal taking another huge step in their quest to win the Premier League, with Leandro Trossard’s goal the difference-maker.
Whilst the likes of Martin Odegaard endured a tough game, Arsenal had enough quality to squeeze past United, with William Saliba praised by Gary Neville for his performance at Old Trafford.
Yet Wright has noted that a decision from Arteta might have helped even more with the win.
Arteta praised for Arsenal tactic on Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho
Speaking on Wrighty’s House, the Arsenal legend pointed out how United winger Alejandro Garnacho was given a lot of time and space on the ball, a decision that backfired for the attacker given how wasteful the youngster was.
The teenager tested Ben White on numerous occasions yet was unable to really cause any damage to Arsenal, and Wright believes this decision was deliberate from Arteta to keep other United players from having the ball in the final third.
READ MORE: All Mikel Arteta signings at Arsenal ranked from worst to best
Wright said: “We was watching Garnacho, and you know the way Mikel and the guys really are meticulous in their preparation in what they’re doing, it seems very strange for me that Garnacho was the going to be one who was their savior and the one to change things for Manchester United.
“Some of his decisions, thinking back now, I’m wondering if Arsenal made that happen, cuz I look at Garnacho, his teamplay and appreciation for others for a one-two or playing in others and moving around is almost non-existent. They [Arsenal] shepherded him to places because they knew he’s going to shoot from anyway.”
Arteta got his tactics spot on despite overall lacklustre performance
For most Arsenal fans, Sunday’s win at Old Trafford was an overall poor performance given how little the Gunners threatened United and how off the pace a number of players looked from the first whistle.
Yet this is why Arteta’s tactic on the day deserves so much praise, with Arsenal not giving United any room to attack and shifting their most dangerous players away from problem areas.
Indeed, the specific tactic of giving Garnacho time might have been used by Arteta, and if so, the Arsenal manager again deserves major praise for something that other managers might not have been comfortable doing.
