Arsenal kept their Champions League hopes alive with their 2-0 win over Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium. On a rare day of celebration for Arsene Wenger's side, Nick Wright examines some of the positives…
Wenger ends Mourinho hoodoo
At the 13th attempt, Wenger finally has his first Premier League victory over Jose Mourinho. It may have come against a rotated Manchester United team with one eye on the Europa League, but for Arsenal and their manager, it was a significant result which restored hope of a top-four finish.
It was also cathartic. Wenger and his players have frequently struggled psychologically against Mourinho's teams after so many disappointments in the past, but they were able to put those issues to one side on Sunday afternoon as they finally got the better of their old nemesis.
Granit Xhaka's opener owed a lot to good fortune, but the result never looked in doubt from then on, with Danny Welbeck's second arriving just three minutes later. Arsenal have plenty of work left ahead them, but a season that has teetered on the brink of disaster could yet end with a Champions League place and a trophy. For Wenger, this was a much-needed boost.
Formation falling into place?
Arsenal's back three was ripped apart by Tottenham in last weekend's north London derby, but there were signs that they are getting to grips with the new formation against United. With Laurent Koscielny marshalling the new-look defence, they secured only their second clean sheet against top-six opposition all season.
The Frenchman used all of his experience and leadership to help fellow centre-backs Rob Holding and Nacho Monreal through the game, producing what Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville described as an "outstanding performance" as Arsenal kept United at bay for long periods.
"The formation gives us a bit more defensive stability because we had a spell where we conceded too many goals," Wenger told Sky Sports afterwards. "All is not perfect but I think we are a bit more defensively-focused at the moment than we were a few months ago."
As well as providing sturdy defensive foundations, the formation allows Arsenal to attack in numbers, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain providing a dangerous outlet on the right. The England international is still adapting to the defensive side of the wing-back role, but he has the energy to get up and down the flank and his assists against United were testament to his effectiveness.
Ramsey enjoys attacking freedom
The new formation also appears to play to Aaron Ramsey's strengths. "Ramsey played the best I've seen him play for a long time," said Neville afterwards. "I gave him the man-of-the-match award because his runs in the first half were important."
Ramsey drew a superb save from David de Gea after latching onto an Alexis Sanchez pass with one such run inside the first 10 minutes. it was the first of many occasions when the Wales international's movement caused United problems, and by the end of the game he had covered more ground (11.7km) than any other player on the pitch.
"I've felt good in the games that I've been playing in," he told Sky Sports. "I'm getting into goalscoring positions. Playing that formation gives me a bit more freedom." Ramsey has been moved around to accommodate others in recent years. The new formation is a reminder of how effective he can be when the system suits him.
Xhaka improvement
It's been a difficult debut season in the Premier League for Xhaka, but the £34m midfielder produced arguably his best performance for Arsenal on Sunday. His goal showed the value of shooting from distance, and he also showed a willingness to dictate the hosts' attacking play.
The Swiss international had more touches and made more passes than any of his team-mates despite being forced off with an injury in the 76th minute. His use of the ball was impressive. Xhaka found a team-mate with 70 of his 74 passes, and there was particularly encouraging link-up play with Mesut Ozil.
The German has suffered from a lack of service in the absence of the injured Santi Cazorla this season, but against United, Xhaka to Ozil was the most popular passing combination on the pitch. Xhaka's improved display was recognised with a standing ovation from the home supporters inside the Emirates Stadium, and there were also words of praise from Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp.
"A lot of Arsenal fans think for the same amount of money you could have got N'Golo Kante," he said. "But in fairness today I think he's played well. He's got a very cultured left foot. It's his first season in the Premier League and maybe we will see the best of him next season."