‘Ifreke Inyang: 5 things we learnt from Arsenal vs Manchester United

United outgunned

In the first 20 minutes of this tie, Arsenal completely blew United away and could have easily been leading by six goals in the first half alone. Mesut Ozil was at his efferverscent best, pinging neat passes all over the pitch. The Gunners were bright and beautiful and for once, they let their dominances show with a three-goal lead at the break.

Alexis on a streak

It does seem Alexis Sanchez’s season has officially begun. After last week’s stunning hat-trick at Leicester City, the Chilean superstar scored again in midweek as Arsenal lost to Olympiakos in the Champions League. Today again, he was different class, impudently back heeling the first goal of the game and unleashing another thunderbolt to make it 3-0.

Respite for Wenger

Following a week when Arsene Wenger came under pressure and his time at the club was question, this was a great way to answer the critics. Whatever the Frenchman told his flops in that training ground inquest worked wonders, as they came out with a singular purpose to tear into United. This win shoots Arsenal into second place, two points behind leads Manchester City. What crisis?

Reality Cech

A lot of observers expected United to rip an out of sort Arsenal side apart and go back to the top of the table. It was not to be. Once again Wayne Rooney was dreadful and the duo of Michael Carrick and Bastian Schweinsteiger were left bewildered by the pace and movement from the Arsenal midfielders. Anthony Martial looked lost and isolated and Mata was not his sparkling self.

Walcott continues to shine

It will take a lot for Wenger to drop Walcott at his rate. Last week at Leicester, he was brilliant. Stretching play, running in behind and linking up well with his team-mates. Today again, he laid on two assists for Ozil and Sanchez, as the front six of Arsenal ran rings around United in the opening 45 minutes.

‘Ifreke Inyang tweets via @Ifreke