Arsenal's Returning Stars Ready to Neutralize Carrick's Secret Manchester United Formula
Arsenal received a boost as Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapié returned to training ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash with Manchester United at the Emirates, providing Mikel Arteta with two viable options to counter Michael Carrick's rejuvenated squad.
Hincapié has missed Arsenal's previous four matches due to a groin problem, while Calafiori hasn't featured for the team since Christmas due to his own muscular concerns. Without these two left-footed center-backs, Arteta has relied on less convincing solutions. Either right-back Jurriën Timber has been deployed on his weaker side, or promising young fullback Myles Lewis-Skelly has stepped in.
While both players bring their own strengths, there's a clear reason why Calafiori initially, and later Hincapié, became Arteta's preferred choices for the left-back position. The pair provide natural comfort on the left flank that Timber cannot match and demonstrate greater defensive reliability than the inexperienced Lewis-Skelly.
The news that both players rejoined first-team training this week, as reported by The Athletic, represents a significant boost for Arteta—though he remained coy about their weekend availability.
"We have one more training session [on Saturday], so we'll evaluate tomorrow following that," the characteristically cautious manager informed the media during Friday's pre-match briefing. "We'll assess everyone and [then reach] a final decision."
The importance of that choice becomes even more critical given United's clear attacking prowess on the flanks.
Man Utd's Strength Out Wide
Man Utd's Strength Out Wide
Carrick had limited time to work with the Manchester United squad before last weekend's derby, yet managed to convey some crucial tactical messages during that period. Beyond a straightforward boost in energy across the field—a harsh reflection on Ruben Amorim's motivational abilities (and those of interim-interim Darren Fletcher)—the most striking element of United's revival against Manchester City was their diagonal passing.
United managed only 32% possession at Old Trafford. City controlled the ball in nearly every area of the field, save for the wide areas. Repeatedly, the recalled Kobbie Mainoo would link up centrally before launching the ball wide, typically to United's right flank—the same area that Calafiori or Hincapié might be protecting this weekend.
The partnership between Amad Diallo and Diogo Dalot created numerous clear opportunities in the opening period of last Saturday's derby. An even more decisive wide pass from Patrick Dorgu to Amad exposed City's defense again after halftime, only for Gianluigi Donnarumma to thwart Casemiro from close range.
Arsenal are familiar with being overwhelmed in wide areas. Due to the tight nature of their central defensive structure under Arteta's organized system, rivals have attempted to exploit weaknesses on the wings.
Chelsea's emphasis down their right side during the first half of this month's Carabao Cup semi-final first leg created several anxious moments for Timber, who was filling in at left-back that evening.
While Calafiori and Hincapié cannot literally clone themselves to handle a numerical disadvantage against United, they undoubtedly provide greater confidence in this potentially crucial area compared to their colleagues.
Arsenal Have to Be Wary of Man Utd's Counterattacking Threat
Arsenal Have to Be Wary of Man Utd's Counterattacking Threat
In addition to their wide play, Carrick orchestrated an excellent counterattacking performance against City. Bryan Mbeumo's opener resulted from a lightning-quick drive through the center of the field.
This was one of United's four attempts from rapid transitions—only once in the past eight campaigns have the Red Devils generated more counterattacking opportunities in a single Premier League fixture, according to Opta. In no other top-flight match on record have United advanced the ball forward as rapidly as they did versus City.
Despite Arsenal's defensive stability this campaign, they remain susceptible during transitions.
The Gunners have conceded just one counterattacking goal this season, yet they have faced 20 attempts from such situations, ranking seventh-highest in the league. Only Newcastle United have allowed a higher percentage of shots from quick breaks than Arsenal. If opponents are to create chances against Arteta's team, it will likely come from counterattacks.