Who stood out against Manchester United?

Arsenal fell to a 2-0 defeat in a friendly against Manchester United in New Jersey on Saturday as two first-half goals sealed the win. 

There was £200m worth of talent on display that was recruited over the summer, with Arteta hoping they can find their feet Arteta sooner rather than later.

This was a game however the Spaniard plenty of food for thought as new signings Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice all featured in the game.

It was a full strength side that played in the defeat to their Premier League rivals, with the exception of striker Gabriel Jesus and currently injured full-back Oleksandr Zinchenko.

Given the quality throughout the team, you’d expect the line-up to closely resemble the one they could start their Premier League campaign.

With the 2-0 defeat now behind them, let’s take a look at who stood out for the Gunners who needed to show more.

Who stood out for Arsenal?

New signing Jurrien Timber impressed as he linked up well with Bukayo Saka down the right-hand side. He was a threat on the overlap but also offered options in the middle when in possession and had the pace to deal with the attacking runs of Luke Shaw when United began to attack.

Kieren Tierney caught the eye when introduced into the game at halftime. He was solid and offered his usual drive down the left flank which will only go to strengthen the claim of keeping him this summer.

Saka was once again a key performer, although that has come to be expected from the young winger. He caused Shaw problems throughout the game and his partnership with Timber was key to most of Arsenal’s better moments, including the chance for Martinelli to out his side ahead.

Kai Havertz though struggled to get into the game and was largely anonymous in the first half. He did not provide enough of an attacking threat and his one chance in the second half, he missed.

Gabriel struggled despite dominating in the air, but his wild air swing allowed Jadon Sancho to run through for the second goal.

Aaron Ramsdale disappointed, with Bruno Fernandes’ shot from distance finding it’s way in too easily as well as failing to stop any of the five penalties at the end of the game.