Diogo Dalot was scared of Bukayo Saka, according to Peter Schmeichel, during Manchester United’s 3-1 loss to Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday.
The famous goalkeeper emphasized Arsenal’s equalizer, which came via Martin Odegaard’s left foot, and how Manchester United defended that position just moments before Marcus Rashord scored for them in the first half.
As he told Premier League Productions (03/09/23 at 5:30 pm), Schmeichel noted that a number of Manchester United players were at fault, as well as how Diogo Dalot was acting off the ball when he had to defend up against Bukayo Saka.
In the end, it proved expensive since Mikel Arteta’s team went on to secure yet another late triumph against their old enemies.
Last season, it was Eddie Nketiah who scored the game-winning goal, but this time it was Declan Rice who did it, before Gabriel Jesus poured the icing on the cake.
Nonetheless, this is Schmeichel’s assessment of Man United’s defense and Dalot’s moves toward Saka.
“I had a coach who always told me that you are most vulnerable right after you score,” Schmeichel explained. “You must concentrate and focus.”
“Martinez should not be rushing in the direction of what he is doing. He should be running in the direction of the error. Eriksen should be covering for him and running back. He, however, does not. Martinez sprints the other way, taking himself out of the game.
“I think Dalot is a little scared of Saka.” A lot of the time, defending is about putting out fires. You put out one fire and don’t think about the next one until you have to.”
Arsenal and Manchester United played another exciting contest.
From start to finish, it was a wild game between these two old rivals, with Arteta’s team rejoicing at the end.
During the game, there were numerous major talking points, and you can bet your bottom dollar that both managers will express their worries.
But, in reality, Arsenal fans won’t care because their team is still unbeaten and in contention for the Premier League title.