Positives for Ten Hag despite defeat
The early stages at the Emirates suggested Manchester United would continue their recent dismal record in away matches against the leading clubs, the visitors inviting a lively Arsenal on to them. But the deluge never truly came, and the diligent defensive performances of Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka in particular – the former shackling Bukayo Saka expertly – were crucial in giving United a base on which to build. That could so easily have been the narrative as Erik ten Hag’s side looked far more comfortable in their own skins in the second half. But Alejandro Garnacho’s late strike being ruled out for the most fractional of offsides proved the game’s Sliding Doors moment, after which it became all about the excellent Declan Rice’s first Arsenal goal and a late breakaway of the sort that happens to any team chasing the game. Rice was understatedly the best midfielder on the pitch and a fitting matchwinner, but there was more to encourage United in defeat here than in their two league wins so far, despite that meek opening spell. Tom Davies
