Manchester United finished off their season at Old Trafford with a 1-1 draw against top four rivals Arsenal.
Despite a dominant first half display, which was topped off by a smart finish from Ander Herrera, they couldn’t increase their lead and an unfortunate deflected own goal off of Tyler Blackett late on in the second half meant that Arsenal shared the points.
Louis van Gaal’s side came into the game without the injured Michael Carrick and Wayne Rooney. This meant a start for Radamel Falcao ahead of Robin van Persie and Chris Smalling being named as captain for the first time. Marcos Rojo also came in for the absent Luke Shaw, taking up a position at left back.
The first half display was reminiscent of a recent performances against Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City. United began the game positively but once they really settled into their rhythm, they produced a dominant and aggressive opening 45 minutes. Arsenal seemed happy to sit back and try to hit their opponents on the counter attack but in truth they rarely got a kick and were subdued by United’s impressive pressing and desire to retain possession.
Falcao had the first opportunity, being put through by Juan Mata, but saw his effort blocked by Laurent Koscielny. Several players kept losing their footing on the Old Trafford turf and it nearly presented Arsenal with a chance to open the scoring. Phil Jones slipped, allowing Olivier Giroud a sight on goal, but responded by throwing his head at the ball. In almost comical fashion, the header bounced off of the Arsenal striker and out for a goal kick.
United finally took a deserved lead on the half hour mark. Herrera finished off a fine move with a wonderfully controlled strike after great work from Marouane Fellaini and the ever-improving Ashley Young. Fellaini outfoxed Francis Coquelin before laying on the ball to Young, who took it in his stride and delivered a left-footed cross which found Herrera unmarked at the far post. It was the diminutive Spaniard’s sixth league goal of the campaign.
Following the opening goal, United started to get a stranglehold on the match with Herrera, Mata and Fellaini dictating the tempo of the match and linking up brilliantly. Mata and Herrera in particular were in constant tandem. The Red Devil’s had one final chance to extend their lead prior to halftime but Daley Blind saw his shot from the edge of the box blocked inadvertently by Smalling.
The second half began where the first period left off with United completely dominating Arsenal. To emphasise their control, particularly in the first half, Arsenal didn’t have a shot on goal in the opening 45 minutes for the first time since November 2004. Ashley Young continued to impressive both in his attacking play and diligent defending.
Arsene Wenger’s side started to slowly gain a foothold in the match and Alexis Sanchez had their first shot on goal, but he could only blaze it over the crossbar. David de Gea was soon called into action, making a typically excellent stop from Olivier Giroud.
Falcao was replaced by ex-Gunner van Persie on the hour. Falcao looked emotional as he jogged off the pitch, waving to the supporters and pointing to the United crest on his shirt. It felt like goodbye from the Colombian striker.
Arsenal continued to grow into the match and Aaron Ramsey was twice prevented from scoring by Rojo. The second block came after the Welsh midfielder had beaten de Gea to the ball but Rojo ensured he couldn’t finish the move off.
De Gea appeared to suffer an injury and was replaced by Victor Valdes, the former Barcelona stopper making his United debut. The fans were left wondering if this was to be the Spanish goalkeeper’s farewell. Blackett came on for Rojo and had an unfortunate hand in Arsenal’s equaliser.
He saw Theo Walcott’s driven effort deflect off his foot and fly beyond Valdes into the far corner of the net. The goal galvanised the Gunners and for a short time they pushed for a winner. Smalling ensured Giroud didn’t test Valdes with a superb block which capped off a fine display for the stand-in captain. It was United though who had the best chance to win the match but van Persie couldn’t keep his shot under the bar following a knock down from Fellaini.
In the end the game finished with a point apiece. United will be disappointed that they couldn’t cap another fine display with a win. Although they lost their attacking impetus as the second half wore on, they thoroughly deserved to come away with the three points. The result almost certainly means that van Gaal’s side will face a two-legged qualifier to reach the Champions League proper in August.
The manager thanked the supporters for their support during the season. It wasn’t a time to celebrate but at least we can look forward to a return to Europe next season.
Comments.
Loading comments…