Arsenal's stalled progress and Man United's resurgence

Arsenal, once on the cusp of Premier League glory, has shown signs of regression as they've struggled to replicate their earlier season form. Meanwhile, Manchester United, despite a tumultuous start, has made steady progress under new manager Ruben Amorim.

A Timely Compromise

With Manchester City experiencing a significant dip in form, Arsenal appeared poised to seize the Premier League title. However, Liverpool has pulled away in the title race, and Arsenal has suffered two disappointing cup defeats in the past week.

United began the season in disarray, culminating in the dismissal of Erik ten Hag. Amorim inherited a fractured squad and faced a series of embarrassing losses, but he managed to secure a draw at Anfield and a victory over Manchester City. Now, United have reached the FA Cup fourth round after a hard-fought win over Arsenal, despite playing with ten men from the 62nd minute.

Last season, United, in the midst of a dismal campaign, stunned Liverpool in the quarter-finals. The subsequent league title win raised hopes for a sustained period of success, but those hopes were quickly dashed. Therefore, their recent victory over Arsenal is not indicative of a long-term turnaround.

Amorim is known for his unwavering commitment to his playing style. He prefers to build his team around a specific tactical approach rather than accommodate individual stars. This approach served him well at Sporting Lisbon, and he seems intent on implementing it at United.

However, in the FA Cup tie against Arsenal, Amorim demonstrated a willingness to adapt. United employed a more defensive counter-attacking strategy, absorbing pressure in search of opportunities on the break. Amorim likely realized that a cup victory, however hard-fought, would boost the team's morale and facilitate the implementation of his tactical ideas.

Arsenal's Decline

Kai Havertz has borne the brunt of Arsenal fans' frustration following their recent defeat. His missed penalty and a glaring miss from close range were costly errors. Arsenal could have secured victory had they been more clinical in front of goal.

However, Havertz is just one symptom of Arsenal's broader problems. With Liverpool pulling away and Manchester City showing signs of a resurgence, Arsenal's title hopes are fading fast. Moreover, the Gunners' recent cup exits have left many players without the experience of celebrating major silverware.

Arsenal's attacking play has become increasingly predictable. They have become overly reliant on set pieces and crosses, but even these have been ineffective against well-organized defenses. Their style of play lacks creativity and spontaneity.

Why is Arsenal relying on Havertz to deliver from set pieces? When will they invest in a target man? Odegaard's repetitive crosses are easily read by the opposition. Arsenal's play has become predictable, and they have resorted to time-wasting tactics and simulation.

While United are still finding their feet under Amorim, their recent victory demonstrates their determination. In contrast, Arsenal appear to be regressing, a consequence of their search for a winning formula.