Counter Beats Control
There was a lot of discussion pre-match as to whether the managers of the respective teams would attempt to set their team up to control the game or catch the opponent out on the counter attack.
As a result of being at home, Louis Van Gaal opted for his usual slow tempo possession game with a relatively high defensive line. Arsene Wenger decided to stick with the style of play that had served him so well in the big games so far far this season, particularly at the Etihad. It is this style that suited the game of Welbeck because his pace could be utilised effectively to punish United on the counter. The choice was so successful because of United's slow tempo. They were shifting the ball so lethargically that Arsenal's compact shape remained unsettled which meant the Red Devils had no choice but to go direct and play long balls up to Fellaini. This is what brought about United's equaliser but more often that not resulted in misplaced passes or aimless long balls.