Mikel Arteta Blasted for 'strange' Mistake Which Cost Arsenal vs Man United at Old Trafford

• Gary Neville believes Mikel Arteta's decision to make a triple substitution cost Arsenal the game against Man United
• The Gunners were trailing United 2-1 when Arteta subbed on Smith Rowe, Nketiah and Fabio Vieira in place of Odegaard, Zinchenko and Lokonga
• Arsenal went on to concede just two minutes after the substitution, with Marcus Rashford grabbing a brace for the Red Devils

Manchester United hero Gary Neville questioned Mikel Arteta's 'strange' tactical decisions during Arsenal's 3-1 mauling by the Red Devils at Old Trafford.

The Gunners have been flawless since the start of the new season, winning an impressive five matches on the bounce to top the standings.

However, their outstanding run of form was halted on Sunday, September 4, as they dropped points for the first time against Man United.

Arsenal looked very much in control of the tie as they dominated possessions from the blow of the whistle.

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But they had nothing to show for it as they trailed the hosts after the first 45 minutes, courtesy of Antony's debut goal for United.

While the north Londoners managed to wrestle their way back into the contest through Bukayo Saka’s deserved equaliser in the 60th minute, the visitors were later punished for their overexuberance.

Marcus Rashford restored United's lead only six minutes after Saka had scored, sending Arsenal back to the drawing board.

Gary Neville slams Mikel Arteta for making triple substitution

It was at that point Arteta opted to roll the dice by subbing on Emile Smith Rowe, Eddie Nketiah and summer signing Fabio Vieira in place of Martin Odegaard, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Sambi Lokonga.

However, that decision backfired on the Arsenal boss as United made it 3-1 just two minutes after the substitution, with Rashford once again finding the back of the net.

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According to Neville, the tactical move was unnecessary given that Arsenal were still dominant and had not shown any signs of breaking down.

"I think the substitutions, the three changes, I thought was strange because I thought it’s a bit of a kitchen sink job whereby you could go and get done on the counter-attack, which they did," Metro UK quoted Neville saying.

"I don’t think they needed to do that at that point in the game there was still 20 minutes to go; they were playing really well," he added.

Paul Merson makes prediction for Man United vs Arsenal

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Paul Merson, a former Arsenal player, has shared his views on how he thinks things will pan out at Old Trafford.

According to the former England international, given the stakes in this match, the two English giants will likely settle for a draw.

Merson contends both sides will be keen to build on their current momentum as the new season takes shape.