Arthur has another good day out

ClaretandHugh’s PlayerWatch reporter Danny Leach took a close up look at Arthur Masuaku this afternoon after his fine return to the team at Old Trafford. Here he reports on his key moments and gives an overall verdict.

4- Plays a quick one/two with Anderson on the left wing to which he then draws a tackle to win a throw in next to the corner
21 – Takes two positive touches into space on the wing but his cross is well blocked
33 – He blocks a first time cross from Albrighton
41 – Plays a poor first pass to Ndidi as a lofted ball comes down to him
44 – Tracks back really well and slides in to stop Albrighton’s cross
53 – Snatches the ball off Albrighton’s feet as soon as he controls the ball
57 – Chases down a ball on his wing and keeps the ball close to his feet before clearing the ball which is deflected for a throw in to us
71 – Pushes the ball past Ricardo and no one is in the box to meet a low ball which flashes across goal

Verdict – 8 – Continuing from last week he was instrumental in the Hammers performance today. Without his tenacity in keeping the ball on the wing for about 10 seconds, Antonio would not have scored the first goal. His performance generally was very good as he remained disciplined and was proactive rather than reactive to situations which he has been criticised for in the past. Going forward he was constantly a threat. There is no doubt about his ability on the ball, but he will need to  put well rounded performances like today in consistently if he wants to remain in Pellegrini’s frame.