Man Utd miss attacking spark against Everton as Ezri Konsa for Arsenal

Man Utd missing spark

Michael Carrick responded to a question about Manchester United's disappointing start to the season in a relaxed manner. "It's not that bad," he insisted, smiling at the assessment after only three gamed played. He's right to point out how early it is in the campaign.

But what he can't defend is how poorly his side have imposed themselves on two newly promoted teams and Everton. For just the second time in the last 50 years, Man Utd have conceded two goals in each of their first three outings.

None of those opponents - Hull, Ipswich or Everton - are expected to be prolific scorers this term. Carrick's side will face much sterner tests. They play the Manchester derby next weekend, in fact. And have issues at both ends to address before they do.

The spark is missing. Carrick put his head down in sheer disbelief after his side were twice begged back by worldie strikes at the Hill Dickinson, but the question that needs answering is why Everton were invited back in. United were the more creative side but often ran out of gas by the final third.

Everton's xG value was greater by the close and they managed double the amount of shots on target (six). The hosts covered more distance and completed more sprints, too. For all United's control, they lack proper punch and will need to draw more consistency of output from their expensively-assembled forward line to make up for what they lack defensively.
Laura Hunter

Konsa impresses on first Arsenal start

Arsenal had given the ball away and Chelsea were breaking through Morgan Rogers down the left.

But soon the Emirates went from anguish to raucous applause as Ezri Konsa came in with a hammer challenge. "A very English tackle," Mikel Arteta said after the game. "You guys love that more than a goal sometimes."

It was the battle between the Aston Villa player Arsenal were going to buy and the Villa player they ended up getting. But after Rogers gave Arsenal a fright after 77 seconds, it was Konsa's time to respond - and he came out on top overall.

It was a moment that announced the £55m signing in front of his new team. It demonstrated the reason why Arsenal went for him, when so many clamoured for more signings further forward.

It also summed up an excellent first start for Arsenal, as Konsa topped a lot of metrics despite playing just 20 minutes of competitive football since the World Cup ended before this Chelsea game.

"I hear they like clean sheets here," Konsa said. He understands the Arsenal assignment. No clean sheet on start No 1 - but he is part of a phenomenal group of Gunners defenders.
Sam Blitz

Mixed afternoon for Rogers

Chelsea's visit to the Emirates Stadium could not have started any better for Rogers. Having spurned the Gunners before choosing Chelsea, he relished his superbly-taken opener after 77 seconds, gesturing towards the badge as he celebrated.

He continued to play with a swagger in the first period, effortlessly pinging a cross-field pass to the feet of Pedro Neto on one occasion and almost adding a second goal when he curled narrowly wide following one of several dangerous forays into the box.

The second half was more difficult. The Arsenal fans loved the crunching tackle from Konsa that left him on the turf and his frustration boiled over when he confronted Declan Rice following an off-the-ball trip during another Chelsea attack.

He wasn't the only Chelsea player whose focus appeared to waver. His goal, added to the one he scored against Fulham, continues a strong start to the season. But he will have to wait for Arsenal's return to Stamford Bridge for a chance to have the final say.
Nick Wright

Did Everton actually have a good Deadline Day?

Maybe Everton did have a good Deadline Day after all.

Jack Grealish and Ainsley Maitland-Niles were brought in late, but both made a telling impact as Everton fought back for a 2-2 draw with Manchester United.

Grealish, in particular, provided something Everton had badly lacked. The winger kept driving at United, forcing them backwards. He drew a booking from Diogo Dalot, created two chances and, most importantly, injected some life into an Everton attack that had looked short of inspiration.

There was a swagger to his performance, too. Every time Grealish got the ball, there was a feeling something might happen. Everton finally had a player willing to take responsibility and run at United rather than simply recycle possession.

Then came Maitland-Niles' Hollywood moment.

The new signing popped up with the equaliser to cap a memorable first appearance and rescue a point for David Moyes' side.

Perhaps the business done on Deadline Day was actually masterstroke.
Lewis Jones