Arsenal vs Manchester United has always been a fixture to keep your eye on. The scraps, the battles and the glory that has been involved with it all has seen it become one of the most anticipated clashes in the Premier League calendar. However, last night’s 0-0 wasn’t the most exciting, and I believe there were a few players to blame for that on both sides. But here are three United players who failed to inspire.
1) Robin van Persie
The former Gunner came back to haunt his former club at Old Trafford but he was largely ineffective in this one. He had three shots on goal but only tested the keeper with a close range header and he wasted a couple of strong opportunities in strong areas of the pitch.
He completed just 11 passes, misplaced his one cross and lost all five headers that he went up for – or at least was contested with to win the aerial duel.
2) Antonio Valencia
The winger is a one-trick pony as far as I am concerned – he is strong and powerful down the wings but will not attempt skill, not look for a short pass but will try and burst pass a player before he throws it into the box.
However, with the Arsenal full-backs having a strong game it made it difficult for him when in the dangerous areas – he failed to make a cross, made just two tackles and was shoddy in his defensive work.
3) Tom Cleverley
Although he looked good on the ball, h never really threatened to cut the Gunner open nor did he close down his midfield opponents like he usually does. For me Darren Fletcher would have been a better option in the middle.