Arsenal 2-0 Manchester United: Hits and Flops | Premier League 2019-20

Hit: Sokratis

Sokratis was a defensive rock in tonight's win for Arsenal

Arsenal have struggled for consistency and strength in their defence all season, despite the signing of David Luiz from Chelsea in the summer. Tonight however, they looked pretty solid at the back overall – restricting a dangerous Manchester United side to no real clear-cut chances, and part of the reason for that was the strong showing from Sokratis.

The Greek centre-back scored the Gunners’ second goal, smashing in from close range, but he was also the most outstanding performer in Mikel Arteta’s backline from start to finish.

Sokratis registered the most successful tackles of any Arsenal player who appeared in this game, and he also topped the statistical table when it came to clearances and aerial duels. With 62 passes completed at an 85% success rate, he also managed to retain possession for his side and more importantly, made none of the individual errors that have scarred Arsenal’s season thus far.

Is this the start of a really strong run for Sokratis, who has appeared in 17 of the Gunners’ Premier League matches thus far? If it is, Arteta will be extremely happy, particularly given Arsenal’s defensive issues under Unai Emery.