Arsenal player ratings vs Man Utd as Zubimendi one of three 4/10s in defeat | Football | Sport
Martin Zubimendi was guilty of a shocking mistake (Image: Getty Images)
Arsenal suffered a crushing defeat at home to a resurgent Manchester United as Matheus Cunha’s late strike inflicted a rare loss at the Emirates. The Gunners opened the scoring through an own goal, their sixth across all competitions, after Martin Odegaard’s intelligent cross was diverted past Senne Lammens by Lisandro Martinez. Bruno Fernandes then squandered two opportunities to equalise, sending the first attempt wide before William Saliba produced a superb sliding intervention to deny the second.
Bryan Mbeumo restored parity after Martin Zubimendi played the ball back into the path of the Cameroonian striker, who finished clinically. Patrick Dorgu’s long-distance effort subsequently put the visitors surprisingly ahead. Mikel Merino then poked home late on after a Saka corner fell to the Spaniard. But heartbreak followed as Cunha unleashed a long-range effort to seal victory. Express Sport rates and slates the Arsenal players…
Arsenal player ratings vs Man Utd
David Raya – 5
Appeared indecisive as the ball reached Mbeumo for the goal.
Linked up effectively with Bukayo Saka during the opening half-hour, but faded like his team-mates thereafter.
Made an early error but recovered superbly with a sliding challenge to thwart a Bruno Fernandes effort.
Came agonisingly close to blocking United’s equaliser, sliding in just a fraction too late.
Featured from kick-off but was withdrawn early in the second period after being ineffective offensively.
The midfielder’s close-range header from a Rice free-kick required a save from Lammens. But a dreadful mistake gifted Bryan Mbeumo an easy goal, leading to his early second-half substitution.
Arsenal missed a chance to move seven points clear of title rivals Manchester City (Image: Getty)
His superb free-kick delivery led to the Zubimendi header. He demonstrated excellent determination in midfield with interceptions and tackles, pushing his team upfield.
The captain’s touch instigated the opening goal. However, after another challenging match, he was replaced by Eze in the second half. 5.
He enjoyed a successful start, getting behind the United defence. After Madueke’s introduction, he moved to the left side, but it was his corner that eventually resulted in Arsenal’s second goal.
Following a strong performance in Milan, his first half against United couldn’t have been more different, marked by poor touches and passes.
Despite attempts to find openings, he had little impact on the game.
Substitutes
Eberechi Eze – 4
He came on and tried to make a difference but was largely ineffective once again.
Attempted to link up with Saka, but the connection lacked precision.
Replaced Jesus and put in a good effort but couldn’t significantly influence the outcome.
Once again, he was in the right place at the right time, forcing the ball in after a Saka corner.
Entered the game on the right flank but struggled with his touch at crucial moments.
