Premier League: How ten Hag’s tactical perseverance trumped Arteta’s admirable naivety – tactical analysis

Albeit somewhat of an ode to a previous era, Manchester United versus Arsenal still remains one of the most bitter fixtures in English football.

At one point, the game was the peak of Premier League action. Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger trying to outwit each other, tunnel spats with Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira and goals galore from some of the greatest players to walk the face of the earth, the fixture was the pinnacle of entertainment and quality.

While this infamous bout may have lost its titanic appeal, bragging rights are still vital for both sets of fans. The two titans of England locked horns once more on Sunday afternoon at Old Trafford, hoping to get one over on their adversaries.

Erik ten Hag’s United had won their previous three matches and were looking for a fourth straight victory, while the Gunners were sitting at the summit of the table walking out onto the carpeted pitch at the Theatre of Dreams, hoping to be victorious for the sixth game running and to maintain their 100 percent record this season – the only Premier League side to do so.

One streak had to come to an end, and it was the visitors who faltered as Man United took all three points with an emphatic 3-1 win.

This article will be a tactical analysis of Sunday’s huge tie. It will be an analysis of the tactics deployed by both managers, as well as looking at what areas the game was won and lost.

Formations and lineups

Going into this one, the home boss had picked the same starting eleven for three games in a row, and to great success as well. However, with the signing of Antony from Ajax on deadline day, many pondered whether the Brazilian would be cast straight into the lineup. In fact, he was.

Ten Hag made just one change from the side that put Leicester City to the sword with a 1-0 win on Thursday night, keeping the conventional 4-2-3-1 which he loves so much. Antony came in for Anthony Elanga on the right, while the rest of the lineup was untouched, with both Casemiro and Cristiano Ronaldo being forced to watch on from the bench.