Manchester United’s unbeaten run is over. The Red Devils succumbed to relentless Arsenal pressure, and eventually lost the game at The Emirates 2-0. To be brutally honest, the hosts deserved the victory, and now, attentions for us are solely on Europa League glory.
However, there were a couple of positives to take away from the game over the weekend. Obviously, Axel Tuanzebe made his full debut and acquitted himself brilliantly.
Jose Mourinho had particular praise for another trio, though. It was the guys who haven’t played for almost two months. The defensive pairing of Phil Jones and Chris Smalling, and also Juan Mata, who started the game too.
“I can’t ask anymore from my players who haven’t played a minute for several weeks – Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Juan Mata were all amazing.” Jose Mourinho said, as per the Daily Express.
Fair play to them all. I bet they put their bodies right through the pain barrier throughout the match, especially as the game wore on they must have been feeling it.
It was nice to have them back as it gives the manager more options. Juan Mata has the ability to provide that cutting edge, and having both Jones and Smalling back at the same time just eases the pressure somewhat on Eric Bailly. Alright, Smalling didn’t put in the best of displays yesterday, but hopefully, he’ll get better as that crucial match fitness returns.
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