From the way they pressed to how they sat back to protect the lead, Arsenal deserved Sunday’s 1-0 win that came from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s 69th minute penalty. Paul Pogba’s error–the Frenchman conceding a penalty for the second time this Premiership season–led to United’s defeat but given how lackadaisical they were, a mistake rather than them turning the corner looked more likely.
Ninth in the league, forced to lay off staff due to Covid-19 and with Mesut Oezil being a festering problem, Arsenal too are far from turning the corner but under Mikel Arteta the signs are favourable. Under their former captain, Arsenal beat Manchester City and Chelsea to win the FA Cup last term. In 2019-20, they also beat Liverpool who have won once in four attempts since Arteta took charge in December 2019.
“The team you saw tonight is what we are starting to be. I am…