Mikel Arteta’s team approached the game with a mindset that allowed them to manage the situation, take charge of the match, and ultimately secure a victory through solid defensive tactics, resulting in 18 clean sheets in the current Premier League season.
During my time as a player for Arsenal, winning at Old Trafford often meant winning the title as well.
The outcome of this year remains uncertain, but Arsenal has demonstrated remarkable mental strength to reach this point and overcome previous setbacks.
Arsenal’s upcoming match is against Everton at home this Sunday, while City faces Tottenham on Tuesday and West Ham on the final day.
Their impressive run of winning 15 out of the last 17 Premier League games has put immense pressure on Manchester City as the season approaches its final week.
Arsenal faced a tense battle against United, influenced by the historical significance of the fixture and the challenging encounters between the two teams over the years.
While Arsenal may not have been at their peak performance, navigating through tough days and securing results is crucial in a title race, showcasing their professionalism in achieving the win.
The defensive prowess of Arsenal has been a key factor in their success this season, evident in their victory against United.
Maintaining a solid defensive line throughout the game frustrated United’s attempts to penetrate, forcing them into shooting from a distance out of frustration rather than creating clear chances.
Gabriel and Saliba showcased exceptional defensive qualities in their partnership, presenting a stark contrast to United’s defensive duo of Evans and Casemiro.
Their complementary playing styles and ability to cover each other’s positions make their defensive partnership effective and reliable, evident in their performance against United. Saliba’s precise challenge on Garnacho exemplified his defensive skill, demonstrating composure and timing in dealing with a one-on-one situation in the box. Saliba’s nomination for the Premier League Young Player of the Year award reflects his impressive season, alongside Gabriel, who both deserve consideration for the main award based on their consistent performances throughout the campaign.