Before the match, despite being a Manchester United fan, I was really worried for my team because of how inconsistent we can be. We have lost the first two games of the season and I have seen how unconvincing those victories we have had so far have been. It gave me doubts but I kept hoping we would win the game against Arsenal because of the incredible run they have been on since the start of the season.
Gabriel Jesus settled in very well, the team is playing good and smooth football, Martin Odegaard is showing the captain's performance and the goalkeeper is doing everything to silence the opposition. With the form they were on, I've been wary that by the time we meet them it might be a different story.
There was a lot of optimism with Arsenal so far this season and I've reiterated many times that we should be used to it when they will play so well and then fizzle out. I was also forced to believe that maybe something is different for them this season and their progress became even more obvious with the so-called 'Title contenders' - Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea not getting the maximum points yet.
I'm not reading too much meaning into Arsenal's loss against Manchester United because the season is still young and they have the talents to pick themselves up again. They are playing Everton next and we would see how they react.
A defeat can take away the confidence of a team especially when they are in a good run and trying to create a record but for a strong team it should inspire them to start again and this would prove to us to know the mentality that Arsenal as a team possesses.
I was expecting more from Arsenal but it looked like they have no fight left in them. They played so well and controlled the game for a long spell but football is about being clinical and having the mental strength to push through any decision that goes against you. They didn't manage to do that and this shows what I have witnessed about Arsenal over the years. They give belief to the fans but they don't have the Williams tenacity to see it through.
I still remember how they dropped out of 3 competitions in a single month many seasons ago. They dropped off the title race, exited the Champions League and got dumped out of the FA Cup that year and it started with just one defeat. This is why I mentioned the game against Everton can show us the mental capacity of this team managed by Mikel Arteta. In all honesty, not judging them by this defeat, I still believe it's the same old Arsenal all over again. They play attractive, they play with determination and passion, and they are young and exciting with a blend of youth and experience but when it matters, they will still falter.
I want to also believe things would be different for them this season but the game against Manchester United should be the kind of game a team should win if they want to make a statement and increase in confidence. When the other big teams start getting into the thick of the action by picking up their form again, Arsenal would be left behind again, as usual, and their incredible run of form wouldn't matter anymore because they would be running in circles, that is, they are doing the work but not changing much on the table. The win against Manchester United would have given them the needed advantage they want after Manchester City faltered in their game.
It's too early and the season is shaping up nicely, so we have to wait and see if they have the mental strength, if this would be a different season for them or if it's the same old Arsenal all over again with their 'oh so near' attitude and always hoping for the next season mentality.
Cheers.
Gingered Up! ❣️
