Manchester United were unable to claim all three points against Arsenal after an end-to-end thriller ended in a 1-1 draw.
Before kick-off the majority of football supporters around the country would have predicted a very one-sided game. However, this was anything but the case with Ruben Amorim's men showing real fight throughout the fixture leaving the Gunners unable to take advantage of United's inconsistent form.
United skipper Bruno Fernandes opened the scoring on the stroke of half time with a brilliantly executed free-kick that dipped up and over the Arsenal wall. Questions have been asked about the distance of the wall from Fernandes and also the positioning of David Raya, as the team appear to have underestimated the United man's set-piece ability.
Arsenal controlled possession of the ball for large periods of the game but were unable to break the compact United block. That was until the 74th minute when Declan Rice struck a ball with pure power and accuracy to the far post leaving Andre Onana with absolutely no chance.
The rest of the 90 saw United create numerous chances with substitute Rasmus Hojlund failing to put away a couple of key opportunities that would have put the Reds 2-1 up in the latter stages of the game.
Most United fans would have snapped your hand off for a 1-1 draw today before the game but after the full time whistle and a good team effort many fans will feel their side deserved more than just a point.
Here is what Ruben Amorim had to say about his team's performance.
On the defensive approach
United were required to play a more counter-attacking style of play today due to Arsenal's strong ability to control the tempo of the game.
Amorim said: "I think we played well. Of course, we don’t want to play like this, defending so much and leaving the ball to the opponent, but with all the matches, all the problems, and the characteristics of the players, we try to adapt and find a way to win the match. Second half much better."
He also stated, “When you coach Man Utd you cannot play too much like that. The aim is to win the game.
"I know that is frustrating for the fans sometimes but when you score and have opportunities the game changes. Sometimes we have to do things that are not popular but in the end, we need the points.”
Amorim on what he means by not wanting to play like that: "I’m talking about the low block, about letting the opponent have the ball. As for the rest, the mindset, the energy, the solidarity, it’s an example for the future."
On the individual performances
Despite the draw and inability to find a winner, there were some standout performances from individuals within the team.
Ayden Heaven, the teenager who signed from Arsenal in the January window, came on at half-time to make his Premier League debut.
Amorim said: "I think he did really well. He is really comfortable with the ball. So relaxed, very aggressive and I think we have a very good player there."
When speaking about the captain, the United manager stated; "He [Bruno Fernandes] always steps up. He is always available, always ready to play in different positions. When we need a goal, he is always there. He is an example for the other players."
He also spoke about Casemiro's solid performance; “Casemiro is comfortable in these types of games. It’s also the opponent. They are harder to mark. In the low block we can control. We try to choose the best moments to press high. We had three or four chances to score.”
Thursday's injury updates.
When asked if he expected any of his absentees to return against Real Sociedad, Amorim replied: "Maybe Ugarte, I don't know, we'll see."
He then said in a separate interview, "I think Manu will return."
Meanwhile, Leny Yoro was taken off at half time due to injury concern and is still yet to be fully assessed.
"Leny, he has something in his foot," he added. "I think. We'll see if he's available on Thursday."