Our Arsenal week 19 match review covers Arsenal’s 3-2 win against Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium. This win puts the Gunners five points clear of Manchester City at the top of the league. Arsenal now have 50 points after 19 games. Let’s get into the match review for this crucial Arsenal victory.

Arsenal Week 19 Match Review: The Positives

Arsenal responded very well to the opening goal by Manchester United, which was a brilliant strike from Marcus Rashford. The Gunners put the pressure on Manchester United and scored a great equalizer soon after Rashford’s goal. Eddie Nketiah got in behind Aaron Wan-Bissaka and scored an excellent header to make the game level at 1-1. That type of resilience is typical of Arsenal this season, but it was great to see it on display once again.

Additionally, Arsenal also played much better in the second half overall. The team’s passing was more accurate and the team just seemed to be more composed in general. The Gunners also created many more chances than Manchester United did in the second half, leading to a well-deserved win.

Arsenal Week 19 Match Review: Zinchenko Was a MOTM Contender

Zinchenko was one of the best players on the pitch for Arsenal in this match. He took up so many different positions across the pitch and exceeded in every one of them. Zinchenko also played a crucial role in Arsenal’s third goal, as well. Zinchenko is a strong contender for Man of the Match against Manchester United in this game.

Gabriel and Saliba Had Good Performances

Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba played well. Neither of Manchester United’s goals were their fault and they both defended well. Saliba was quite good in possession, too, as usual. Both of them should be happy with their performances in this game.

Tomiyasu Changed The Game With His Performance

Takehiro Tomiyasu came on for Ben White at halftime and played quite well. He took a little bit of time to settle into the game, but once he did, he contributed significantly to the victory by shutting down Marcus Rashford. Rashford did very little in the second half thanks to Tomiyasu’s defending.

Xhaka and Odegaard Excelled in Arsenal’s Midfield

Xhaka had another good performance. His consistency is outstanding, as was his overall play in this game with his passing, forward runs, and influence on the game. Xhaka continues to be a guaranteed starter in Arsenal’s midfield for Premier League games when fit.

Quite simply, Odegaard is having the best season of his Arsenal career. He got the assist for Nketiah’s game-winning goal and pulled off some spectacular passes and moves once again. Odegaard is now up to 14 goal contributions in 19 games so far this season. On form, Odegaard is one of the best attacking midfielders in the Premier League and his performance demonstrated that he’s one of the reasons why Arsenal remain top of the league.

Saka and Nketiah Were Brilliant

Both Saka and Nketiah had incredible performances against Manchester United. Saka scored an amazing goal to put Arsenal 2-1 up and nearly scored another goal later on in the game. Luke Shaw’s been one of Manchester United’s best players this season, but he could not cope with Saka at all. Saka’s pace, ball control, and decision-making were all incredible and he is another MOTM contender.

Nketiah had a brilliant performance and he gets Man of the Match against Manchester United in my book. He scored twice, once with a brilliant header at the back post and then with a clever flick into the back of the net for Arsenal’s third and match-winning goal. Nketiah also had another good shot saved by De Gea in the second half. Many Arsenal fans, including myself, were concerned after Jesus’s injury, but Nketiah has stepped up and then some in Jesus’s absence.

Arsenal Week 19 Match Review: The Negatives

Arsenal started off this game a bit nervously and gave away possession too many times in the first half. This lack of composure is uncharacteristic from the Gunners, even in crucial matches like this. Additionally, Rashford’s goal resulted from Arsenal giving the ball away in a dangerous area and failing to close down Rashford quickly enough.

Ben White had a poor game for the first time this season. He gave away possession on several occasions and did not look like himself in this match. White also picked up a yellow card in the first half and Arteta made the right decision in subbing him off for Tomiyasu at half-time.

Partey played well overall, but he did not have a good first half. He also gave away possession several times and one of those times led to Rashford’s goal. Partey played much better in the second half, but he was another player who had a poor first half.

Martinelli didn’t have a great game, either. He worked hard on and off the ball, as usual. He did cause Manchester United’s defense some problems, but he didn’t have the impact on the game that he often does. Martinelli has had a disappointing run of form since returning from the World Cup, but hopefully, that changes soon.

Tactical Note: Trossard’s Debut

I looked forward to Leandro Trossard’s Arsenal debut and it did not disappoint. Trossard replaced Martinelli in the 82nd minute and immediately had an impact on the game. Trossard put in some good crosses and he had a crucial involvement in Arsenal’s third goal by running in between two Manchester United defenders and creating space out wide on the left for Zinchenko to get the cross into the box. Trossard also made some great runs and showed plenty of skill on the ball, as we expect from him. Arteta subbing on Trossard was a great decision and that decision helped Arsenal win the game.

Manager Rating: 8.5

Arteta made good substitutions and clearly had a great halftime speech to encourage the team. He also made a good decision in subbing off White for Tomiyasu at halftime. Additionally, Arteta made the right choice in subbing off Martinelli for Trossard. I would have liked to see Arteta sub Trossard on for Martinelli a little earlier in the game, but Arteta made the right call nonetheless. Arteta continues to make good decisions and sets the team up well for success.

Arsenal Face Everton Next in the Premier League

The Gunners travel to the Etihad Stadium to play Manchester City in the fourth round of the FA Cup. That match will be the first meeting between the two teams this season. After that, Arsenal travel to Goodison Park to play Everton. Everton are in the relegation zone and have recently sacked their manager, Frank Lampard. Given this, I would bet on another Arsenal win, likely a dominant away performance from the Gunners.

Check back next week for more Arsenal content.