
EPL Index
·23 July 2023
Manchester United Dominate Arsenal in US Friendly

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·23 July 2023
In a display that clearly demonstrated their preparedness for the forthcoming season, Manchester United proved their mettle by securing a 2-0 victory against their rivals Arsenal in an electrifying pre-season friendly held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA.
Manchester United, after a commendable show of might, emerged victorious in this competitive encounter against Arsenal. Bruno Fernandes and Jadon Sancho were instrumental in establishing United’s dominance with their first-half goals, leaving Arsenal in the dust.
Fernandes, in his first match as the new United captain, left spectators and opponents awestruck with a splendid strike from 20 yards out. Not to be left behind, Sancho doubled the advantage with a robust shot that found its way into the top corner.
Despite numerous chances created by Arsenal, the team was unable to make its mark on the scoreboard. A notable missed opportunity was Gabriel’s late header, which narrowly missed its mark.
The match wasn’t without its casualties, however. Manchester United’s forward Amad Diallo succumbed to injury minutes after his introduction post-interval, a significant setback for the team.
Photo by IMAGO
In a post-match penalty shootout intended to provide players with much-needed practice in a high-pressure setting, United proved their superiority yet again, winning 5-3 after Arsenal’s Fabio Vieira missed the mark.
Sancho, despite struggling since joining United, rose to the occasion in the pre-season friendly, effectively utilising his speed and talent. He capitalised on a loose ball after Gabriel’s miskick and covered around 40 yards at an impressive speed before landing a decisive strike into the top corner.
The hefty £200m recruitment drive that Arsenal underwent this summer left Arteta with various options. Despite fielding a strong starting lineup, the Gunners failed to deliver. Mistakes like the defensive error that led to United’s second goal are not expected from such a seasoned side.
In terms of match statistics, Manchester United held the edge over Arsenal in several aspects.
Possession: Manchester United 52% – Arsenal 48% Shots on Goal: Manchester United 14 – Arsenal 9 Expected Goals (xG): Manchester United 2.1 – Arsenal 1.0
As the teams prepare for their respective upcoming matches, the fans will be eagerly waiting to see how these pre-season friendlies shape the course of the new season.
The stage is set for Manchester United and Arsenal to prove their worth in the upcoming Premier League season. After a promising performance in this USA pre-season friendly, United will be keen to carry forward their momentum, while Arsenal will be looking to tighten their game and address their shortcomings.