The defensive strength of Arsenal is highlighted when we look at their impressive xGA (expected goals against) of 25.89, which is the best in the league. This statistic becomes even more significant when compared to Manchester United’s defensive struggles. On the offensive front, Manchester United’s performance has been underwhelming despite moments of brilliance, such as scoring three goals at Wembley recently. However, their overall expected goals (xG) place them in the 12th position in the league, with a total of 50.36 xG. This places them below teams like Everton, who are currently battling relegation, indicating a significant gap in offensive efficiency.
These statistics not only paint a bleak picture of Manchester United’s current form but also raise concerns about their tactical decisions, particularly in crucial moments of the game. A prime example is the substitutions made by Ten Hag just before Coventry’s comeback gained momentum. The decision to replace Garnacho with Antony and later Kobbie Mainoo with Christian Eriksen, despite being in a winning position, raised eyebrows among fans and critics alike.
The fact that Ten Hag felt the need to substitute two dynamic players like Garnacho and Mainoo, and then bring on Omari Forson and Amad Diallo during extra time, suggests a lack of confidence in his starting lineup’s ability to maintain a lead. This is further evidenced by the eventual loss despite these tactical changes.
The pressure on Ten Hag has been mounting even before this match, but the semi-final result has intensified the scrutiny. Criticism from sources like Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News, who gave Ten Hag a rating of 1/10 for his handling of the semi-final, reflects the growing dissatisfaction among supporters and pundits. While such ratings might seem severe, they underscore the frustration with the team’s performance and managerial decisions.
The widening gap between Manchester United and the top teams in the Premier League is becoming more apparent with each passing game. This raises questions about the direction of the club under Ten Hag’s leadership and whether changes are needed to bridge this gap and restore the team’s competitiveness at the highest level.