Arsenal’s victory over Manchester United was close to the complete performance. To a man, the Gunners carried out Mikel Arteta’s game plan to perfection.
But of course within every formidable team showing there are individuals who stand out. Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny were singled out by pundits after the game.
Two other Arsenal players who deserved immense credit were Rob Holding and Gabriel. Both centre-backs have been immense so far this season.
Arsenal ostensibly line up with a back three. But Arteta’s fluid tactics encourage Kieran Tierney to push up high meaning it regularly becomes a back two.
It’s an unlikely partnership for the Gunners – but so far it’s working.
Arsenal’s brilliant Brazilian
Fans weren’t quite sure what to think when Gabriel arrived in the summer.
The 22-year-old arrived from Lille with just one season of regular first-team football under his belt.
But in just eight appearances he has already showed himself to be a bargain at £27 million.
The Gunners have struggled in the air for a long time but the Brazilian has quickly addressed that, winning more than two aerial duels per 90 minutes.
He is also composed with his feet and has a pass completion rate of 90% from his six Premier League appearances so far.
The forgotten man
One player who was slightly better known to Arsenal fans come the start of this campaign was Rob Holding.
After five seasons at the club he is one of their longest-serving players. This is despite never having nailed down a starting spot.
A promising run in the side under Unai Emery was ended by an ACL injury at Old Trafford. It has taken him almost two years to recover.
Holding was heavily linked with a move away from the Emirates after falling behind David Luiz, Shkodran Mustafi and Pablo Mari in the pecking order.
But injuries to that trio meant he was given a chance – which he has more than taken.
His phenomenal performance on Sunday was made even more impressive by the fact he had only had one training session before the match because of a hamstring injury of his own.
Perfect partners
For so long their defence has been an issue for Arsenal. However, they seem to have found a formidable defensive duo at last.
After seven games the Gunners have the best defensive record in the Premier League. Figures like that could prove pivotal come the end of the season if they can maintain that form.
They will hope Holding and Gabriel can both stay fit long enough to keep that impressive run going.
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