Pundit issues ‘devastating’ Arsenal claim after what he’s seen
Noel Whelan has suggested Man United’s win over league leaders Arsenal stemmed from the London club’s inability to adjust to Erik ten Hag’s “devastating” counter-attack.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted lapses in concentration also cost the Gunners the game despite “asking questions” of the home side.
Arsenal’s 100% record was spoiled by a 3-1 defeat against Man United at Old Trafford on Sunday (4 September).
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has come under fire for his substitutions in the second half of the clash.
Speaking in his Sky Sports column (5 September), ex-Arsenal star Paul Merson panned the Spaniard’s “knee-jerk” triple change just seconds before United’s third goal.
However, Whelan insisted Arsenal went wrong by playing “their game” as they were “full of confidence”.
When asked where Arsenal went wrong against Man United, he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “They went to Old Trafford to play their game.
“They were riding high, had won every game, they were full of confidence. They wanted to play their style and ask questions of Man United.
“Man United held on for a while, they had limited possession – but the counter-attack was devastating, and they took their chances.
“Ten Hag played to his side’s strengths with the pace they could use to break. Arsenal switched off a few times and they got hurt.
“United are looking stronger with every game. Stronger at the back, and they’re creating chances – and more importantly, taking them.”
In other news, pundit suggests the real reason Kieran Tierney axed from Arsenal XI.