Anthony Taylor explains five reasons for his errors during the #ARSMUN game and apologizes to the Manchester United supporters, saying “It was not my decision.”
Anthony Taylor explains five reasons for his errors during the ARSMUN game and apologizes to the Man United supporters, saying “It was not my decision.”.
Anthony Taylor interview
ARSENAL 3-1 MANCHESTER UNITED: Declan Rice and Gabriel Jesus scored in stoppage time as the Gunners defeated their rivals in a contentious match in which VAR was used.
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Declan Rice of Arsenal is already recouping his massive investment after scoring in stoppage time to defeat Manchester United.
The game appeared to be heading for a draw until the hosts were rewarded for their efforts when their summer signing and the returning Gabriel Jesus both scored in stoppage time to secure a contentious victory.
Marcus Rashford scored for a United side that had provided little when he finished a quick counter that saw his team move from defending to 1-0 up in seconds after being sent through by Christian Eriksen. The euphoria of the away fans was short-lived, however, as Gabriel Martinelli found Martin Odegaard on the outskirts of the box and he shot home to light up the Emirates.
When Anthony Taylor thought Kai Havertz had been fouled, VAR intervened to deny the hosts a second-half penalty, leaving Mikel Arteta unimpressed. Alejandro Garnacho thought he had scored in the 89th minute, only for VAR to intervene and end the visitors’ celebrations.
Arsenal’s £105 million signing then slammed home from a corner to put the hosts ahead in the 95th minute, before Jesus finished off a fantastic afternoon for the Gunners by completing off a fast counter, showing amazing calm to finish with the clock approaching 100 minutes.
Here are five points to consider from Emirates.
1 Rice declares himself
Arsenal believed they were settling for a point until Rice, their £100 million man, demonstrated that he could provide big moments both in the final third and in the middle of the pitch. From the base of midfield, he was his usual brilliant self, breaking up play and influencing the pace of the game.
But he had his best moment yet, taking advantage of a scrappy corner to fire home. Goals aren’t often given to players in his position, but Rice took advantage of his opportunity. He’s always been tipped for greatness, but has never had the opportunity to demonstrate it on the largest stage; he’s certainly demonstrating that now.
Hojlund takes a bow.
The Dane made his long-awaited debut on Sunday, coming on for the final 25 minutes to replace Anthony Martial, whose minutes may now be limited with Rasmus Hojlund fit and ready. The teenager instantly made it clear to his opponents that they were engaged in a physical struggle by positioning himself.
He showed a lot of enthusiasm, charging forward and attempting to make himself available when United was attacking. Arsenal, on the other hand, had the better of the final exchanges, so his prospects to influence the game were limited, but now that he’s been thrown in, we could see Hojlund start in United’s next trip.
3 Rashford scores on the left side
Last season, he broke the 30-goal threshold for the first time, while his teammates struggled to reach the back of the net. Rashford’s form has continued this season, but he stated in pre-season that he was not a No.9 and enjoyed playing from the left, where he can cut in.
If there was ever a time to demonstrate why, it was on Sunday at the Emirates. Before Rashford’s first-half strike, United offered little, but with him, they always have a threat. While Ten Hag lacks a potent striker, there will be talk of putting the Englishman centrally, but there’s no questioning where he’s best; it simply depends on whether United can find a trustworthy player to play in the center.
4 Should I use a pen or not?
Arteta and Erik ten Hag will very probably disagree on this subject. Havertz thought he’d handed Arsenal a fantastic chance to grab the lead when he was knocked over by Aaron Wan-Bissaka – and it appeared to be a clear penalty at the time.
However, Anthony Taylor sought a VAR review, and the more you viewed it, the less you believed the contact was, and the man in the middle chose to change his decision. You may argue that Havertz almost moved his leg to make contact, but the manner Wan-Bissaka stepped across him forced him down. The referee later needed the Stokely Park officials to step in again late in the game, snuffing out Garnacho’s hopes of a late victory when they reached a judgment on the most tense of offside rulings.
5 Onana’s influence is being emphasized
Ten Hag paid close to £50 million for the former Inter Milan goalkeeper so he could play out, and boy is he making that point. He’s finding himself in a variety of places, displaying calm, patience, and a wide range of passing, which means United don’t have to hit it long.
That Gary Neville remarked on commentary that the Cameroon international was “United’s best outfield player at the moment, that’s a bit of an issue” says a lot. Onana, on the other hand, relieves pressure on United’s center-backs by being available at all times.
