Arsène Knows

MATCH ANALYSIS AND PLAYER RATINGS

Were there any positives from the match?

This match had been hyped up so much that most of us actually started thinking that we were in for a great sporting spectacle. Even with Adebayor, Clichy, Sagna and FLamini all being rested I was still quite optimistic seeing as Man u had left out Giggs, Tevez and Rondaldo. We really did look like the better team on paper.

However it was obvious straight from kickoff when Hleb lost the ball after about 5 seconds that things were not going to be easy.

What surprised me most during the match was how bad of a game Traore had, I know he is still a reserve player but I really did think he a good and reliable understudy in the case that Clichy would be unavailable. Him and Hoyte were probably the main reason that we conceded so many, however it would be unfair to put all the blame on them. Fabregas was off colour (again), and our strike force was just not working well, although Bentder and Eduardo are both indivually gifted players I don’t think they work that well together. As soon as Adebayor came on Arsenal did actually improve, and deserves some credit for actually trying to get us a goal by diving in an attempt to get a penalty. Lehman was probably the only positive part from the match, although he let in four goals, he has staked his name for reclaiming the no.1 shirt.

Player Ratings

Jens Lehmann 7.0: Some smart saves alternated with some poor goal kicks, but kept the score line from looking like 7-0 or 8-0. Our best player.
Justin Hoyte 4.0: Troubled by United attackers all evening. The young defender couldn’t make his efforts meaningful.
William Gallas 4.0 : A disappointing evening’s work in the Manchester spotlight. He didn’t cope with Rooney as well as he should have. Perhaps his worst display of the season.
Kolo Toure 5.5: Looked like he was still suffering from jet lag after his exertions in the African Cup of Nations. He lacked his usual authority and positional excellence. Clearly still jaded from his African expedition.
Armand Traore 4.0: The youngster had a night to forget and was made dizzy by United’s movement and trickery.
Emmanuel Eboue 4.0: Dismissed early in the second half for an ugly challenge on Evra. It was his only contribution to the game. (Would have given him a higher mark if he got Nani)
Francesc Fabregas 5.0: The Premiership’s most improved midfielder didn’t live up to his reputation. He failed to pick his passes, failed to win the ball, and was simply outplayed on the evening.
Gilberto Silva 5.0: Another talent to leave his better form in the locker room. No impact on the match.
Alexander Hleb 6.5: Didn’t offer his usual menace. A subdued display, but had a little more energy to give to the match than some of his team mates.
Da Silva Eduardo 5.0: His flat display mirrored that of the team.
Nicklas Bendtner 5.0: Got no change out of the United defence and little support from the Arsenal midfield.

Subs
Mathieu Flamini 5.0: I would have started him from the start as he was the in-form central midfielder going into the game.
Philippe Senderos 6.0: In hindsight he should probably have started as well looking at all that went on at the back.
Emmanuel Adebayor 5.0: Booked for diving seconds after entering the match as a substitute, but did over a more attacking threat.

All in all I'm not to disappointed about being knocked out, we just need to pick ourselves up for the AC Milan game.