Manchester United: 6 Things We Learned From the 1-0 Win Over Arsenal
Arsenal suffered their fifth defeat of the season alongside releasing their strangle hold on first place as arch rivals Manchester United defeated the Gunners 1-0 at Old Trafford.
In a much hyped and anticipated encounter, the match lacked its usual thrill and one-touch excitement, with both teams enduring the cold surroundings with poor control and erratic passes.
But it was Sir Alex Ferguson's men who dominated the game and in truth deserved the three points.
Arsene Wenger's men were lacklustre, slow and continued their yo-yo like form throughout the season, failing to capitalize on chances to steam away at the top of the Premier League table.
United's tenacious midfield defending and smart controlling ball play enabled the Red Devils to dominate possession and defend strongly.
Granted the home ground advantage played a role in Manchester's form but does it show that Arsenal just don't have what it takes to conquer the English Premier League?
Here are 6 things Arsenal fans learned.
6. Wojceich Szczensy Is Ready For First Team Football
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The main talking point prior to the kick off was an injury to in-form shot-stopper Lukasz Fabianski.
The Polish keeper suffered a leg injury and was forced to endure a demotion to the bench. The 25 year-old's lack of fitness ensured boom youngster Wojciech Szczensy was forced to step up and make his Premier League debut.
The highly-touted youngster, who has continually voiced his frustration over lack of opportunities at Arsenal, entered the game confident and jubilant. It showed in the 20 year-old's game as the Polish international made a number of impressive saves.
When the goal was conceded there was little Szczensy could do to prevent Park Ji-Sung's header and eventual winner.
The youngster continued his impressive debut by denying Samba star Anderson from close range, in what looked like a certain goal. Szczensy also denied English superstar Wayne Rooney from long range.
Arsene Wenger holds the youngster in the highest regard and considers the Polish shot blocker as the future Arsenal number one.
Now that Wojciech Szczensy has tasted Premier League experience, and handled it with relative ease, against the best side in England, Szczensy will want first team playing time.
5. Laurent Koscienly Is Slowly Becoming A Strong Defender
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Arsenal's marquee signing of the Summer was little known French defender Laurent Koscienly.
The 25 year-old signed from French outfit Lorient FC for £8.45 million. Fans were sceptical over the ability of the unknown centre half, who two seasons prior had been lavishing in the French second division.
It has been a rough start for Koscienly, who has endured some persistent injuries but finally the Frenchman is beginning to show signs of his capabilities and why Wenger regards the defender so highly. Koscienly admirably contained Wayne Rooney, who at one point attempted to tackle the solid defender by the neck.
The Les Blues hopeful boasted good strength and control alongside making a number of vital interceptions.
If the Frenchman can stay fit and maintain consistency, Thomas Vermaelen's absence will be mitigated.
4. Bacary Sagna's Crossing Is Letting the Arsenal Attack Down
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Arsene Wenger has always incorporated attacking wing backs into his style of play.
Rather than letting his right and left backs focus on premium defending, the Frenchman applies a formation that enables the flank defenders to become vital assets of the Arsenal attack.
Right back Bacary Sagna has never been one to hesitate on involvement in attack. The former Auxerre defender is always a lively presence down the right hand side and aids his winger well.
However the glaring fault in an otherwise consistent presence is the Frenchman's inconsistent, astray crossing.
Since the arrival of the imposing presence of Marouane Chamakh this Summer. Arsenal now boast a physical presence leading the attack. The Moroccan's presence ensures Arsenal can utilize wide play crosss in hopes to succeed aerially.
However once again Bacary Sagna failed to provide a suitable cross which ultimately gave Chamakh little to work with.
One cannot fault Sagna's willingness but until the French international learns to better his crossing, Bacary Sagna is a liability to the Arsenal attack.
3. Gael Clichy Is Struggling As Arsenal's Left Back
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The majority of the Manchester United attack came through the middle of the park but when the United midfield turned to their right hand attack in the form of Portuguese sensation Nani, the 2008/2009 champions looked the most dangerous.
Take nothing away from Nani's efforts, the winger has been in sublime form this season and is quickly erasing any memory of Cristiano Ronaldo.
However the lacklustre efforts of Gael Clichy certainly aided the Portuguese starlet's attacking prowess.
On countless occasions Clichy was guilty of poor position, allowing too much space and just plain frail defending. There was no surprise that Nani glided down the right flank and past Clichy to assist with the opening goal.
Deputy left back Kieran Gibbs is still yet to be regarded as capable of overtaking Clichy as the dominant left sided defender, especially with consistent injury woes. But the English starlet is a promising prospect and many foresee the 21 year-old establishing himself as the new left back of Arsenal in the coming years.
Furthermore the likes of Pedro Bothelho, Armand Traore and Thomas Cruise, are all away on loan. The trio are young, talented left backs who are also capable of performing strongly in the Premier League.
Clichy is seen as a leader in the Arsenal line up and does boast hefty experience. However if the Frenchman's poor form continues, Gael Clichy may have to depart the Emirates.
2. Samir Nasri Can Only Perform Against Smaller Clubs
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In 21 games this season Samir Nasri has notched 13 goals, an incredible feat for the young Frenchman.
Nasri has easily been Arsenal's player of the season so far, with his blistering speed and creative style of play tormenting a number of defences.
If Arsenal were to defeat United at Old Trafford critics and fans alike knew Nasri would have to continue his form and shine. It was not the case. Many may have thought the former Marseille dynamo was not even playing.
In what was an anonymous, lifeless showing from Nasri, fans were left pondering how good their French midfielder really is.
Majority of Nasri's strong showings have come against teams in the bottom half of the competition and many consider the 23 year-old's worst trait is Nasri's tendency to drift in and out of games as well as lacking consistency.
Toady Samir Nasri struggled, can the Frenchman only match it against weaker defences?
1. Manchester United's Squad Is Better Than Arsenal's, Plain and Simple
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From goalkeeper right through to the forwards, Manchester United boast a stronger, smarter, physical squad to Arsenal.
No longer can Wenger blame injuries, inexperience and the goalkeeping conundrum. Plain and simple, Wenger's men were outplayed by a better opposition.
United's defence is stronger, their midfielder is smarter and handles physicality better. There keeper is world class and their attackers get the job done.
None of which Arsenal can do. At least not this season.
