This post is part of my Manchester United Match Reviews, focused on xG, shot quality, and the tactical moments that decided the game. Stats sources: FBref, SofaScore, WhoScored.
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Hey everyone,
This is why you follow Manchester United. For days like this.
A win at the Emirates always feels special, but this one hit different. We didn’t just cling on. We played, we competed, we suffered when we had to, and when the game turned messy we didn’t hide. Apart from the corner, Arsenal didn’t create enough to deserve more.
Let’s get into the autopsy.
Table of Contents
What’s the real test after beating City + Arsenal?
The Match in Numbers
Metric | Arsenal | Man United |
|---|---|---|
xG | 1.20 | 0.73 |
Possession | 57% | 43% |
Shots | 15 | 10 |
Big Chances | 1 | 1 |
Final 3rd Passes (accurate/total) | 126/157 (80%) | 47/84 (56%) |
Aerial Duels Won | 13 | 12 |
A few key context notes:
Arsenal had more of the ball but that doesn’t automatically mean they created more danger.
The “xG gap” is inflated by one huge moment: Merino’s corner goal alone was 0.41 xG.
This was a game where shot quality and game state mattered more than raw totals.
Key Stats You Didn't See on TV
The headline stats suggest Arsenal controlled the game. The deeper stats show United’s win wasn’t a fluke.
1) Touches in opposition box
Touches in opposition box: Arsenal 28, United 9
Big chances: 1–1
Arsenal touched the box a lot, but they didn’t consistently enter it with control. Plenty of those touches were messy scrambles, wide collection touches, or sequences that ended in blocks.
Meanwhile, United’s few box entries were usually purposeful and we made them count.
2) Direct Progression
Final third entries: Arsenal 47, United 54
Second half final third entries: Arsenal 20, United 33
This is the stat that matches your eye test. United progressed with the ball, Arsenal circulated.
If you’re entering the final third more often away at the league leaders, you’re just not “hanging on.”
3) We Won the Midfield Battle
Duels won: United 51%, Arsenal 49%
Second half duels: Arsenal 39%, United 61%
Tackles: Arsenal 11, United 14
United had authority, especially after the break. That’s how you disrupt a possession team, make every forward action cost them a second and third effort.
4) Arsenal’s Threat Was Limited
Shots inside box: Arsenal 9, United 3
Blocked shots: Arsenal 6, United 2
Corners: Arsenal 9, United 2
Arsenal built pressure, but we forced so much of it into blocked, crowded, low-clarity shooting.
And their biggest punch came where we know they can hurt anyone: set pieces.
The Tactical Breaking Point
50’ - Dorgu’s Screamer Changed the Game
At 1–1, Arsenal were settling into their “Emirates control” rhythm. Then United came out after halftime and landed a clean shot.
The key detail: it wasn’t some hopeful punt. It was seriously good football.
Bruno and Dorgu combine with a one-two on the edge of the box, Dorgu continues his run, and then meets it with a sweet volley.
That goal matters for two reasons:
It forced Arsenal into chaos subs. They made four changes at 58’. That’s a manager admitting the plan isn’t working.
It unlocked United’s best phase. The second half wasn’t us only defending, we started getting up the pitch more consistently (33 final third entries to their 20).
Then came the late punch:
Arsenal equalized from a corner (84’) - typical.
United responded like a serious team though, not by retreating, but by attacking immediately.
And at 87’, Cunha came through.
Player Ratings & Impact
Key performers based on the eye test and data.
Patrick Dorgu — 7.6
A kid at the Emirates playing like he belongs there. The one-two with Bruno and the volley was pure confidence and he also backed it up by doing the dirty work.
2 shots (1 on target)
3 aerials won
2 tackles
Bryan Mbeumo — 7.4
This was a proper away-forward performance: sharp when it mattered, selfless when it didn’t. Took his goal like it was always going in.
2 shots (1 on target)
2 key passes
2 clearances
Matheus Cunha — 7.1
Some subs come on to “help.” Cunha came on to decide the match. One moment, one finish.
1 shot (1 on target)
14 touches
2 fouls won
Luke Shaw — 6.9
Not glamorous - just calm, reliable, and exactly what you need away at the league leaders. Arsenal had possession, but Shaw helped make it feel harmless.
96.3% pass accuracy
4 interceptions
3 tackles
Final Thoughts
Yes, the xG says Arsenal had more. But once you account for the corner goal’s 0.41 xG and the general shape of their chances, the story becomes clear:
Arsenal had the ball.
United had the better plan.
United played the better football
And that’s exactly what we flagged in the preview: Arsenal are a possession team, but you can hurt them if you progress with intent and stay compact in the middle. Arsenal vs Manchester United Preview
Now the real test.
Because we’ve seen this pattern before: we can rise for the big occasion. City, Arsenal but the season is defined by what we do next.
Fulham is the litmus test. A “lower in the table” opponent who won’t give you a glamorous game script, where you have to control, create, and win without adrenaline.
If Carrick’s United can back this up next week, then we’re not just having a nice moment.
We’re building something.
Up the Reds.