Manchester United and Arsenal served up a Sunday afternoon treat over the weekend. A throwback to the good old days; High tempo, high quality, controversy.
United ultimately won 3-1, with the score only telling half the story of an action-packed affair at Old Trafford.
High points including Martin Odegaard’s foul on Christian Eriksen, leading to a VAR review that canceled a possible Arsenal opener, and an ugly challenge from Sambi Lokonga that left Bruno Fernandes in a heap. These have been discussed at length, with conclusions depending on which side of the fence he is sitting on.
However, one incident that has not received much attention is an apparent kick to Lisandro Martinez by Gabriel Jesus.
???? | Sorry Martínez, they can’t beat you and they beat you, sorry ????❤️ pic.twitter.com/TRHLruAGjj
– FAISAL (@Faisal_R_K) September 5, 2022
Eagle-eye footage shows the Arenal striker kicking the back of Martinez’s legs in the United penalty area, late in the first half.
Jesus provided United’s centre-backs with real proof throughout the afternoon, but he can count himself lucky that VAR didn’t pick up the smug knock during the game.
Martinez’s aggressive style will no doubt get under the skin of Premier League strikers who find the Argentine’s ‘take no prisoners’ approach too unwieldy, at times.
Shows of frustration were evident throughout most of the game from the Arsenal players, who felt they were on the wrong side of refereeing decisions, despite reprieves for the aforementioned incidents and a poor late tackle from Bukayo. Saka on Tyrell Malacia who also went unpunished.
Perhaps the frustration would be better inside, as despite dominating the ball for 20 minutes before the break, Mikel Arteta’s men left Manchester with nothing, due to the ruthlessness of Ten Hag’s new United.
Ten Hag will be delighted with how his new signings have settled in, particularly Martinez, whose infectious attitude and commitment is setting the tone for the recovery at Old Trafford.
United start with a fourth successive league win, closing the gap to league leaders Arsenal to three points.
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