Manchester United vs. Arsenal: Winners and Losers from Premier League Game
Arsenal put themselves on the verge of securing a third-placed finish in the Premier League after they came from behind to draw 1-1 with Manchester United on Sunday.
Arsene Wenger's side went behind midway through the first half thanks to Ander Herrera's clinical finish, and they looked unlikely to recover for much of the rest of the match as United, while not at their best, played with a greater vigour.
However, Theo Walcott came off the bench and squeezed a deflected shot home to earn Arsenal a share of the spoils. In the process, he almost certainly condemned United to the additional headache of a play-off tie if they want to reach the group stages of next season's Champions League.
Click on for some winners and losers from the game.
Winners: Aaron Ramsey and Ashley Young
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Ashley Young and Aaron Ramsey were the standout performers for their respective sides on Sunday.
The United winger proved to be the game's most incisive attacker for much of the first half and beyond, but the Welsh midfielder grew in stature late in the contest, as Arsenal eventually turned the tide.
Young has been United's best performer this season, especially when you consider that few expected him to play much of a part (if any) in Louis van Gaal's revolution.
But Young quickly proved himself one of the most reliable foot soldiers in Van Gaal's tactical plan, adapting to a number of different positions over the course of the season and acquitting himself well in all of them. That continued on Sunday, as Young provided the assist for Herrera's goal in a game where his crosses were almost always United's most dangerous attacking outlet.
As the game wore on, however, it was Ramsey who became the most influential player on the pitch, and he too would provide the assist for his side's equaliser. His soaring long ball—reminiscent of a Paul Scholes or Steven Gerrard ball—found Walcott in space, and a combination of luck and the forward's determination took care of the rest.
In the closing stages, Ramsey's passing and movement continued to be Arsenal's most dangerous weapon, as the midfielder finished an impressive individual performance strongly. After a season that never quite lived up to the heights of his previous campaign—at least not until the last few weeks—this performance offered an indication of what Ramsey might once again offer the Gunners next season.
Loser: David De Gea
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David De Gea was once again flawless on the pitch, making a huge save to deny Olivier Giroud at a key moment in the match. It was just another vital stop to add to a litany of those he has made this season. But an injury before the end spoiled De Gea's finale, turning the post-match discussion into one centred firmly on his future.
De Gea was withdrawn shortly after Radamel Falcao's substitution, and his timid, self-aware waves to the crowd as he walked toward the tunnel hinted at a man whose future might not be at Old Trafford. It only added weight to the recent claims about Real Madrid's interest.
It was the sort of impromptu moment in the spotlight he surely will have wanted to avoid, with the chants from the crowd ("We want you to stay") and his conflicted response inevitably directing the post-match discussion.
As a result, Van Gaal was asked plenty of questions about the Spaniard. Per the Manchester Evening News, he said:
"He shall not leave us so easily because we have a great club.
He has to decide because we have given a fantastic contract because we want him to stay. I analyse his position and then I say he is Spanish, he is Spanish international, now a Spanish club is coming, his girlfriend is Spanish, his father and mother come every week or every two weeks here so it is difficult.
I don’t think I can persuade him because he knows everything what he has at that moment in Manchester United so I don’t have to say something in benefit of United because he can feel it every day.
You have seen the fans, unbelievable. When he is going, he is losing that. Here he has a lot of credits.
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De Gea will surely have preferred to avoid such discussions, as well as the headlines that will inevitably follow tomorrow and in the days ahead. Then again, should he actually want to join Real, he would have eventually had to ride such a storm anyway.
Winner: Chris Smalling
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Chris Smalling was a winner even before this game kicked off, as he was awarded the captain's armband by Van Gaal. Amid a first XI with several other candidates for the armband, the fact the manager opted for Smalling was a rare, clear indication of the respect he has for the young defender.
"I have watched and observed Chris Smalling," Van Gaal said before kick-off (per the Express). "I shall name a captain as a human being, not only a player who passes from A to B but how you deal with your players. I believe he has been a leader of our defence."
Smalling repaid his manager's faith in him with an assured display in which he seemed to be emboldened and energised by his new responsibility. As Phil Jones produced another memorable Phil Jones moment, scrambling along the flaw to make an unorthodox headed clearance, Smalling looked composed and dealt with danger well for much of the match.
Van Gaal's assessment of Smalling was made before the game even started, however. So although United may sign another central defender in the summer as they look to challenge for the title again, it appears Smalling will be a key part of whatever future is in store under the Dutchman.
Loser: Radamel Falcao
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Radamel Falcao seemed to wave a remarkably public farewell to Manchester United fans on Sunday, which was simultaneously an acknowledgement that he will not be at the club next season and an admission that he has not quite played up to the standards required this term.
The Colombian lasted 60 minutes against Arsenal before being withdrawn for Robin van Persie, waving to all corners of the ground in the unmistakable manner of a farewell as he departed.
At this point it seems clear that United will not be making Falcao's loan move permanent. Whether that was the player's decision or the club's, Sunday's performance underlined exactly why that decision has been made.
Falcao was anonymous for much of the match, enjoying a few moments where his hard work created openings for his team but generally failing to fully mesh with his teammates. He looks unsure of himself in the Premier League, perhaps because he's still finding his feet after last season's injury, but he does not warrant the transfer fee United would have to pay to make his deal permanent.
A move to another European club now appears inevitable. Falcao's year at United was a lost one, and Sunday's game was an example of why.
