Gary Neville pinpoints two things Arsenal keep getting wrong in warning to Mikel Arteta

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Arsenal endured a start at Old Trafford that represented more of the same, as Mikel Arteta’s side struggled to break the deadlock.

Despite dominating the entirety of the first half, Arsenal went in behind at half-time as Bruno Fernandes netted before the interval. 

It was an unthinkable outcome from the opening 45 minutes, giving Arteta a challenge to motivate his players to simply do better to earn a result at Old Trafford. 

There were high expectations following Arsenal’s statement 7-1 win against PSV Eindhoven earlier in the week but, such intensity was difficult to replicate. 

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Gary Neville spots Arsenal’s weakness against Man United

Manchester United against Arsenal is a spectacle of the English game however, both sides struggled to sell the masterpiece on match day 28. 

Fernandes’ moment of magic direct from a free kick was the talk of the first half, with the other talking points being largely the same old story for Arsenal.

Once again, Arteta’s attack was questioned, as for all of the Gunners’ control and presence in the final third, there was a goalscoring presence lacking.

Speaking on commentary for Sky Sports’ coverage of the match, Gary Neville outlined two critical weaknesses in the Arsenal squad at Old Trafford. 

“Quality of runs, quality of finishing. Just the threat they [Arsenal] provide,” Neville highlighted.

“I know Martinelli can play up there. Sterling can play up there. A front three of Nwaneri, Trossard and Merino isn’t going to win you the Premier League title.”

Neville’s assessment of Arsenal’s lack of potency in attack won’t come as a surprise to many but, after the seven goals scored in midweek, there was hope that change would be spotted.

Arsenal’s dominant first half counted for nothing at Old Trafford

The lack of quality in the United squad gave Arsenal all the incentive to hit Ruben Amorim’s side early but instead, it was the visitor’s weaknesses that shone through.

As seen above from the first-half statistics from the contest, Arteta’s front line did all the work but missed the crucial element, scoring a goal.

For all the possession, shots and passes Arsenal recorded, the primary metric was not delivered, with United going into the interval a goal ahead. 

A lack of attacking presence is Arteta’s headache once again, which is rather unthinkable given the way in which the Gunners ran riot only days ago in the Champions League.