Premier League 2021/22: Arsenal’s tactical errors which led to Man United’s victory – tactical analysis

Thursday night saw the Premier League clash between Manchester United and Arsenal, a game which was anticipated to be Ralf Rangnick’s first in charge,  failed to deliver as work permit issues prevented this from happening. The game was filled with controversy which I will avoid talking about but instead focus on some of the key tactics which decided Manchester United’s 3-2 win. Arsenal came into the game in strong form after a good run of results apart from a 4-0 thrashing by Liverpool at Anfield and was above Manchester United in the table. Manchester United had picked up results since Michael Carrick took over but were still looking for their first home league win since the opening day. Arsenal took the lead early through the controversial Emile Smith-Rowe goal, before a Fernandes goal just before halftime and a Ronaldo strike just into the second half gave Manchester United the lead. Martin Odegaard equalized for the Gunners before fouling Fred in the box to give Ronaldo a chance to give Manchester United the lead and win.

This tactical analysis aims to unpick and analyse the key tactical features which decided the game.

Line ups / formations

Manchester United made a handful of changes to the team that held Chelsea to a draw last week, Eric Bailly was replaced in the back four with captain Harry Maguire and Wan-Bissaka made way for Diogo Dalot, with Lindelof and Telles staying put. Matic was replaced by Ronaldo, with the double pivot of Fred and McTominay in midfield and Sancho, Fernandes and Rashford playing behind Ronaldo who played as a sole striker.

Arsenal made a couple of changes from the team who defeated Newcastle with Elneny coming in for Lokonga, and Saka making way for Martinelli. Tactically Arsenal stuck with their 4-2-3-1 formation with Martinelli and Elneny coming in as direct replacements.

Arsenals questionable build-up

This game wasnt the easiest game to conduct an analysis of as neither team were at their best, however, a few tactics became apparent and had a significant impact on the final result. One of these was a somewhat questionable build-up strategy used by Arsenal.

Arsenal would set up as if they were going to play the ball out from the back with their centre backs in the box ready to receive the ball however they would either play a couple of short passes then go long or go long directly from the goal kick. This continued to be unsuccessful for Arsenal with Manchester United winning both the first and second contact. Here is a set-up we saw regularly throughout the first half, Manchester United looked to stop Arsenal from playing out yet in this example Ramsdale goes long straight away rather than looking to play out. Arsenal attackers are not blessed with height and doing this lead to Manchester United easily turning Arsenal over.