The Manchester United Transformation had no longer been a theory or a hopeful point of discussion on Sunday night at the Emirates Stadium. It was something tangible, visible and it well shocked Arsenal, it shook their title bid, it declared that United, under Michael Carrick, are started all over again finding clarity, belief, and confidence at the very point when it matters the most in the Premier League.
Arsenal had appeared to be a control team weeks on end. Home, where they had the ball and possession and the movement at all times, they had stifled opposition and tallied points at leisure. But on facing a revitalised Manchester United that composure sank on the pressure and showed weaknesses which had hitherto been largely concealed. The win of United was not rush-and grab or even a case of chance; it was based on organisation, smart risk taking and the fact that finally players work in positions that are strengths and not limiting roles.
Arsenal began as anticipated and changed the pace, keeping United deep. Once they scored 1-0, the crowd in Emirates had a feeling that it was going to be another ordinary night. Instead, United acted purposely and was able to fold instead of folding. Their press became sharper, their passing lanes bolder and most importantly their older players have come out. The back line was authoritatively led by Harry Maguire who won duels and facilitated transitions. Endowed with a role that stressed on his experience instead of his legs, Casemiro read the game brilliantly and slowed down the rhythm of Arsenal whenever it was about to speed up.
Nevertheless, the actual difference was further ahead. Bruno Fernandes was brought back in a key creative position and played with freedom and wit. His dribbling in between the lines interrupted the set up of Arsenal and pushed their midfield to take awkward choices. Full forward Bryan Mbeumo was playing the game with great tenacity and composed himself to take the ball, providing United with an outlet that Trumpet players needed to pause and attack back. This attitude of defence solidity in conjunction to attacking steadfastness has become the feature of the Manchester United undercarriage under Carrick.
As soon as United got even, the confidence rushed through the side. By comparison, Arsenal started becoming indecisive. The passes were lost, the defensive spacing was stretched and the serenity which has been characteristic of their season was lost. Following the restart, United also grabbed the advantage again, and the fantastic goal of Dorgu changed the whole balance of the game. Since then, the reaction of Arsenal was not quite cohesive. The situation was due to the fact that Mikel Arteta chose to make several substitutes at once, which ruins the rhythm of his team and gives United more control over the game.
Though later on Arsenal on its part equalised the situation, the inevitability was on the side of the visitors. United was calm, restrained and threatening on the break. Their form never failed even at the end of pressure. The crucial goal by Matheus Cunha did not seem that shocking, but it was a reward to a team who believed in what it was doing.
Last but not least, the outcome poses the challenging questions to Arsenal. It was not just a defeat, but a showing in which their legendarily good control failed them. Possibly pressure, expectation, and the burden of a title race all came into play, when it came to decision-making. Although it was their first home loss of this year, how it happened (desperate, rash and emotional) is indicative of a weakness that foes will probe to capitalize on.
The implication is also far-reaching in the case of Manchester United. The Manchester United make over is not about the single seasons against the best competitors; it is about a consistent character reprimanding. Players do not feel out of place, roles are defined and the team does not play divided. Carrick has made the game simpler, relied on experience and given individuals the capability to play in a group setup.
This is not an overnight acquisition of title contender status to United and it does restore credibility. It gives an indication of a platform around which consistency can be established and it reinstates faith with the followers who had become tired of false dawns. In the case of Arsenal, the loss can be the wake-up call as it should help them realize that titles are not gained over control, but through perseverance when the control is lost.
Broadly speaking, this game can be remembered as the turning point in the wider context of the Premier League week because this game uncovered the realities on both sides not necessarily related to the points difference itself, but life has taught the lessons during this game. Manchester United is evolving, and the Arsenal, the first time in their history, appeared to be humanity in the limelight.
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