Mikel Arteta has praised two Manchester United stars after his side fell to a 2-3 defeat at the Emirates against Michael Carrick’s men.
Manchester United secured all three points in a dramatic game against league leaders Arsenal on Sunday evening.
An own goal from Lisandro Martínez gave the hosts the lead in the first half, but Bryan Mbeumo pounced on a mistake from Martin Zubimendi to level the scoreline towards the end of the first half.
An emphatic strike from Patrick Dorgu put United ahead at the start of the second-half. United were able to hold on for over half an hour, but Mikel Merino found an equaliser in the 84th minute.
Arsenal’s joy was short-lived, though, as a long-range strike from Matheus Cunha restored United’s lead just three minutes later. United were then able to see out the remainder of the game to secure all three points and move into the top four.
Mikel Arteta praises two United stars following dramatic encounter
In his post-match press conference, Mikel Arteta opened up on what he felt went wrong for his side on Sunday evening.
“Congratulations to Man United on the victory. We were very dominant in the first half, and then we gave them the goal and that shifted the energy.”
Arteta then praised Patrick Dorgu and Matheus Cunha for their outstanding goals from range in the second half. “Credit to them, because in big games you need those big moments,” the Arsenal manager said.
Michael Carrick set United up well off the ball, but Arsenal’s strong defensive structure meant it was always going to be difficult for United to create the same volume of chances they did last week in the Manchester derby. Individual brilliance was therefore always going to be needed in the final-third, and Dorgu and Cunha delivered that.
Dorgu growing in confidence
It was always clear that Patrick Dorgu was an excellent athlete with outstanding physical qualities. He is fast, energetic, a reliable duel-winner and solid defensively. He seemed to lack quality and confidence in the final third, though, which was somewhat surprising given the fact that he was deployed as a right-winger at Lecce.
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It shouldn’t come as a shock, however, that Dorgu seemingly lacked confidence, given the fact that his former head coach came out and talked about feeling anxiety every time Dorgu touched the ball.
Dorgu produced an electric performance on Boxing Day vs Newcastle, playing on the right-wing and has looked like a different player since.
The Dane has three goals and two assists in his last eight appearances. He was brought off in the final minutes at the Emirates after he seemed to have issues with his hamstring. Michael Carrick and his staff will be hoping it’s nothing serious, as he could be set to play a key role in the final months of the season.
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