Arsene Wenger registered his first win over Jose Mourinho in the Premier League on Sunday.
Arsenal beat Manchester United 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium thanks to goals from Granit Xhaka (54′) and Danny Welbeck (57′).
Here, we take a look at how the battle on the touchline played out.
Basic Stats
Tactics
Wenger
One of the most frequent criticisms of Wenger has always been his reluctance to deviate from a 4-3-3 formation, the system he’s stuck to religiously since the end of the Invincibles era.
However, he’s been known to dabble in a three-man defence of late and that was the case again on Sunday. They set up in a 3-4-3 with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Kieran Gibbs operating as wing-backs.
The system allowed Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez to attack with freedom, offering Danny Welbeck support while Aaron Ramsey made runs forward from midfield and Granit Xhaka played as the chief anchor.
Mourinho
The United boss set up his side pretty much the way everyone expected, including Wenger. He asked his team to be compact, disciplined and with Anthony Martial and Henrikh Mkhitaryan in the side, they were meant to break quickly.
While Martial did cause a few problems in the first half, the rest of the team were just far too deep for him to have much support. The first goal, which was a rather unfortunate one to concede, knocked the stuffing out of United and they never quite recovered.
Martial forced a save from Petr Cech early on and Rooney really should’ve scored when he was denied by the Arsenal custodian as well but overall, the lack of attacking impetus from the visitors was disappointing to see.
Touchline presence
Wenger
Considering the scrutiny around his position at the club, and the fact that he was up against his nemesis, the Frenchman was oddly calm in his dugout.
Mourinho
The Portuguese would have you believe that this game did not matter as much and that he is firmly focused on the Europa League, as his team selection would suggest as well. However, he was the far more animated of the two managers on the touchline, repeatedly urging his side to remain compact and get bodies behind the ball.
Our verdict
Wenger
His system and selection was spot on. Oxlade-Chamberlain ahead of Hector Bellerin at right wing-back was crucial with the Englishman providing both assists, the second an inch perfect cross.
8/10
Mourinho
The visiting manager didn’t do too much wrong but was far from inspiring. His tactics lacked innovation although he was unfortunate to see his plans undone by a massive deflection.
5/10