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Christian Eriksen produced a powerful efficiency throughout Manchester United’s slim 2-1 loss to Arsenal within the first match of their pre-season tour of the US.
As considered one of Erik ten Hag’s half-time substitutes, Eriksen confirmed simply how essential he’s to Man United’s midfield and it was clear simply how a lot his crew missed him in the course of the first half.
Lower than half an hour from time, the veteran midfielder sparked to life, taking a threatening long-range effort that was blocked by the Arsenal defence. The Dane stepped as much as take the resultant nook, curving in a threatening cross that flew throughout the face of purpose. It was unlucky that none of his teammates have been positioned to take what would have been a straightforward tap-in purpose.
Certainly one of Eriksen’s most interesting moments on the pitch got here across the 75-minute mark. Standing simply metres in entrance of United’s field, Eriksen booted a surgically exact ball as much as Jadon Sancho, who launched a promising run. Sadly, he was dispossessed by the final Arsenal defender that he needed to beat to be in on purpose.
Eriksen’s set items remained threatening all through the encounter. 5 minutes from time, his nook kick virtually resulted in a purpose for the Dane, with the Arsenal keeper pressured to punch the ball off the purpose line. Seconds from time, Eriksen’s nook discovered the top of Jonny Evans, who scored, just for the purpose to be disallowed on account of a foul on the keeper.
Given his many essential involvements within the conflict, it’s exhausting to consider that Eriksen took simply 19 touches in his 45 minutes on the sector. Nonetheless, he proved environment friendly with the ball, finishing six of eight passes for a 75% accuracy (stats from sofascore.com).
Eriksen’s lengthy balls have been properly executed, with two of three reaching their targets, whereas three of his seven tried crosses discovered their mark.
With little time on the ball, the midfielder solely had one floor duel, which he gained. He participated in no aerial duels.
On the assault, Eriksen was pretty muted, taking simply his one shot which was blocked. None of his passes have been thought-about to be key passes, nonetheless, he generated a handful of goalscoring alternatives from corners.
Eriksen misplaced possession on seven events, a barely regarding statistic given the restricted time he had on the ball. Nonetheless, he greater than made up for this shortcoming by way of his defensive efforts.
Repeatedly, the holding midfielder dropped again in help of his defence. Eriksen made one sort out and an interception, displaying his excessive work price throughout the pitch.
Total, Eriksen proved that he’s nonetheless a core a part of United’s midfield regardless of his age. Ten Hag must assume twice earlier than parting methods with this inventive and hard-working star.
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