Not "Same old Arsenal" performance wise however "Same old Arsenal" result wise. Player ratings from Man United (A)

 

Arsenal perfect start to the Premier League season came to an abrupt end at Old Trafford as they were beaten by a rejuvenated Manchester United side by three goals to one. 

Mikel Arteta men have had a perfect start to the season despite a mini injury crisis they have won all their first five games comfortable. Now while you can only beat what's in front of you majority of people would of expected on paper for Arsenal to win all five of those games which is exactly what they did however this was the first real proper test against a inform Man United side who had won their last 3 games after their embarrassing start to the season and Arsenal failed this test.

 It is easy to say Arsenal failed their first proper test of the season and all this early hype around Mikel Arteta's team should be wiped off after this game, that would simply be a extremely narrow minded view. 

While the result really reflected the saying of "Same old Arsenal" the performance reflected the look of the new Arsenal. The Gunners dominated for large periods in the game however were caught on the counter three times by United which in the end cost them for not being clinical enough especially in the second half when the Gunners gave up multiple chances. 

After a good start by United, Arsenal were left furious when an extremely soft foul by Martin Odegaard on Christian Eriksen was the reason Gabriel Martinelli opener in the 14th minute was chalked off by VAR. Another questionable VAR decision to say the least which adds to the list of bad decisions this weekend. Arsenal responded well to disallowed goal and dominated the ball however a rash tackle by Gabriel on Bruno Fernandes left a massive gap for Antony to slot home on his debut, a goal which was completely against the run of play but in weird way almost United deserved for managing to limit Arsenal for so long. 

Arsenal needed to come out the blocks in the second half and they did just that, with total control of the ball and they were carving United open at times and they eventually got the just reward with Bukayo Saka pouncing on a rebound effort to give the Gunners a more than deserved equaliser. Despite the dominance Arsenal were punished once again by a clinical United side who took the lead with their first shot of the half thanks to a great finish by Marcus Rashford and shortly after an almost identical counter attack led to Eriksen who put in on a plate for Rashford's second just after Mikel Arteta brought off two defensive players for two attacking players and Arsenal were made to pay for it. 

While the result was exactly what Mikel Arteta won't be impressed with, there will be elements of the performance that will please him and while it's fairly common tale for Arsenal to lose at Old Trafford they were beaten but not disgraced today. 

Player Ratings 

Aaron Ramsdale 6

Not to blame for any of the three goals, his distribution was impressive, made a great save on Fernandes after a passing error.

Ben White 7

Did fine, kept Jadon Sancho very quiet through out the game. Offered little going forward. 

William Saliba 6

Had some good moments however always looked troubled by Rashford's pace and was shown in the second goal.

Gabriel 5

A rash tackle on Fernandes for the first goal made the space for Antony to comfortable tuck away for United's opener. Made some good tackles in the second half.

Oleksandr Zinchenko 5

Looked good on the ball as always on his return from injury and handled Antony well apart from the first goal when he got sucked out of position from Gabriel rash tackle. 

Albert Sambi Lokonga 5

A tough game for Sambi, he had his moments however struggled with his defence awareness and physicality at times especially for the first goal. He has so much potential however the sooner Partey is back the better. Still not ready to play that lone 6 position just yet in my opinion.

Granit Xhaka 7

Another solid performance, really thriving in the attacking role.    

Martin Odegaard 7

Played some beautiful passes at times however played a pass too much at times when he should of just pulled the trigger. Wonderful pass to find Jesus which led for Saka's goal. 

Bukayo Saka 8

A well deserved goal today for Saka, he's slowly getting back to his usual best. 

Gabriel Martinelli 7
The Brazilian will feel robbed of his 4th goal of the season, however played well throughout, caused Dalot problems.

Gabriel Jesus 8

He caused United lots of problems throughout, his hold up play was excellent.