This match served as notice for all clubs of the need to continuously recruit and construct their squads effectively. It is not that long ago that Manchester United and Arsenal were the top sides domestically in England. Now they have fallen to the extent that they are challenging to finish in the top six, never mind the top four. Both sides have experienced a degree of upheaval in terms of their coaching staff but they have also struggled to recruit effectively with little evidence of either side having a cohesive plan.
Going into this match the pressure is starting to build on both Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Unai Emery as the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City continue to pull away at the top of the table. Three points in this match for either side would be key in allowing the winner to keep touch at the top of the table. In the end, neither side managed to find the winner in a 1-1 draw and in truth neither side actually deserved to win the match.
In this tactical analysis, we will examine the key tactical talking points from this match.
Team News
The most striking piece of team news for Manchester United saw the young academy graduate Axel Tuanzebe come into the match at left-back. Predominantly a central defender he was forced out into the fullback position due to the injury to Luke Shaw and the need for Ashley Young to move to right-back in place of Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Marcus Rashford continues as the 9 for United although the match raised concerns that the young England striker is carrying an injury.
![Arsenal Vs Crystal Palace [1–1] (8 vs 7 P) – EFL Cup 2025/2026: Failure Of Attacking Transitions – Tactical Analysis](https://totalfootballanalysis.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Arsenal-Vs-Crystal-Palace-tactical-analysis--350x250.png "Arsenal Vs Crystal Palace [1–1 (8-7)] – EFL Cup Quarter-Final 2025/2026 – Tactical Analysis 8")
