The Mourinho and Man U hoodoos on AW and AFC are still alive, but weakened considerably by the result today. I was in no doubt that MUFC was the better team in the game. They outshot us and looked more dangerous throughout. I'm putting it down to home field advantage, because I don't want to go negative on a very spirited performance from the Gunners. But another referee may have given the penalty for Monreal's arm across Valencia; look at whistle-happy Mike Dean at Wet Fart Lane today. And Cech made a couple smart saves. Still, they got just one and the delicious cross and header by two second-half substitutes earned us the point.
The commentators were saying that the game didn't live up to the pregame hype, but maybe they hyped it too much. I thought it was very watchable. Like the NLD last game, loads of energy and desire were evident from all concerned, and it largely canceled out in frantic aggressive midfield play. Alexis was everywhere, and gave them fits, but never seemed to find the right pass at the end of his effective dribbles. Jenko was much better than I expected at right back; he kept Martial marshaled. It was Monreal who was unable to handle Valencia on the other side. Pogba was a beast, but his final ball was lacking. Rashford had something of an off day, which turned very sour for him when Ox left him for dead in the 88th minute and made plenty of space to line up that perfect cross for Giroud to head home for our only shot on goal and our only goal. It has to feel good for Alex after his dismal performance against Spuds.
We rode our luck for long stretches, but it ran out when Herrera sent a fine no-look cutback through the area that somehow hit Mata in stride. He didn't miss.
I'm getting worried about Ramsey. He has played extremely well for Wales this year, but I can't think of a standout performance from him for us. He's not the threat he used to be. Coquelin seems fully back. He was excellent in the destroyer role today. Walcott did not get his name mentioned enough; his form has dropped.
We've underperformed two games in a row, and were a bit fortunate to get a point out of each of them. We need to get back to winning ways. Besides Man U, Liverpool and Everton drew today, but we lost ground against Spurs and Man City, and Chelsea could go top tomorrow, three points up on us. PSG at the Emirates on Wednesday for top of the group, and Bournemouth next Sunday, and hosting Southampton in League Cup the following Wednesday. It's an endurance test. I feel strangely confident.
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