Manchester United enjoyed an emphatic 3-2 win over Arsenal following a scintillating performance on Sunday afternoon.
Thanks to this impressive victory, Manchester United managed to finish the weekend in the top four of the Premier League for the first time since May 2023.
While it was an excellent team effort all around, some individual brilliance also helped to push United over the line, particularly from Bryan Mbeumo.
Moment of magic
While not typically viewed as a striker, Mbeumo was Michael Carrick’s choice up front, with Benjamin Sesko starting the match on the bench.
Although an unorthodox choice, Mbeumo clearly impressed in this position during the win over Manchester City last weekend, which convinced Carrick to keep him there.
Needless to say, he did not disappoint. The Cameroonian showed great pace and awareness to intercept the ball from Arsenal in their final third.
Starting with the ball at his left foot, Mbeumo waited for the goalkeeper to come out before shifting the ball to his right foot and slotting it home to hand United the lead.
Although this was his brightest moment on the pitch, the United forward continued to impress throughout the encounter.
Mbeumo’s impact
Player Bryan Mbeumo
Goals 1
Expected goals (xG) 0.21
Assists 0
Expected assists (xA) 0.01
Total shots 2
Expected goals on target (xGOT) 0.18
Shots on target 1
Shots blocked 0
Touches 22
Unsuccessful touches 1
Dribbles (successful) 0 (0)
Possession lost 7
Total carrying distance 73.9 m
Carries 7
Progressive carries 1
Total progression 19.5 m
Progressive carrying distance 30.8 m
Longest progressive carry 30.6 m
Key passes 2
Crosses (accurate) 0 (0)
Accurate passes 7/12 (58%)
Passes in opposition half (acc.) 3/7 (43%)
Passes in own half (acc.) 4/5 (80%)
Tackles (won) 1 (0)
Interceptions 0
Clearances 2
Blocked shots 1
Recoveries 2
Ground duels (won) 4 (1)
Aerial duels (won) 4 (0)
Dribbled past 2
Mbeumo took just two shots on the day, with one on target. Of course, this shot put United in front.
He took 22 touches, only one of which was unsuccessful, while making seven successful carries.
Unfortunately, his passing was messy, with just seven of 12 passes proving accurate (52%).
Still, he did well to support his defenders when they were in need. With six defensive contributions, Mbeumo made one tackle (which was unsuccessful), two clearances, and two recoveries, along with one blocked shot.
Although the numbers do not make for the most pleasant reading, Mbeumo proved to be an asset up front, making the most of his limited time on the ball.
Yet again, it was a convincing performance from the Cameroonian, who appears to be emerging as a pivotal member of United’s success.
(Stats via Sofascore)
Featured image Alex Pantling via Getty Images
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