If Arsenal are to stop Manchester United on Sunday, they’ll have to ensure that Bruno Fernandes can’t put his stamp on the game.
A lot has changed since Arsenal faced Man United on matchday one of the season, a contest that the Gunners emerged victorious from.
It took Riccardo Calafiori’s header from a corner to decide the direction of the points, as the Gunners didn’t look particularly impressive, but were still able to get the job done.
Admittedly, that’s been the story of Arsenal in the Premier League this season, but Mikel Arteta won’t care, sitting seven points clear at the summit.
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Bruno Fernandes wasn’t impressed with Arsenal’s attacking when they last faced Man United
Back-to-back 0-0 draws in the Premier League see Arsenal go into Sunday’s clash with United seven points clear, instead of the desired 11.
Last time out in the league, Arsenal had a nightmare going forward, failing to convert any of the chances they created.
The good thing was that Arsenal were creating those chances, as in other games, the Gunners haven’t looked particularly exciting in attack, something Bruno Fernandes spotted on matchday one.
Speaking after Arsenal’s win at Old Trafford in August, Fernandes said Arsenal’s chance creation was poor, suggesting that United outplayed Arteta’s side in that department.
“We conceded a goal from a set piece early on, but from then on, Arsenal didn’t create any chances.
“We created lots of chances and didn’t score, so we have to do better next time. We controlled the game well, we were good on the ball.”
Fernandes was right, as United fired 22 shots on David Raya’s goal compared to the nine Arsenal recorded.
Arsenal’s chance creation issue is highlighted by two players
When it comes to identifying Arsenal’s weaknesses this season, it’s more of a case of minor issues than grave worries, as all in all, the Gunners have been the best side in the league by a mile.
That being said, when looking into chance creation concerns, it’s clear to see where improvement is needed, as in midfield, the two players who would be expected to make play, aren’t.
If you could swap either Odegaard or Eze for Fernandes, who would you offload?
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Fernandes embarrasses Arsenal’s attacking midfielders Eberechi Eze and Martin Odegaard when it comes to chance creation, recording nine more big chances created than the duo combined.
When looking at the underperformance of the two creative generals, it’s no surprise that 25 of Arsenal’s goals in all competitions have come from set-play.
We know Arsenal can turn it up in attack when they want to, which is what the Emirates will be yearning for against United, who will arrive with a point to prove.
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