Bruno Fernandes Steals the Spotlight with a Brilliant Free Kick
Bruno Fernandes has once again demonstrated his prowess from set pieces, as his stunning free kick against Arsenal opened the scoring for Manchester United. The goal, which came at a critical juncture in the first half, was a masterclass in both skill and team coordination. While Fernandes’s technique and precision were undoubtedly the primary factors, the clever positioning of his teammates, particularly Joshua Zirkzee and Casemiro, played a significant role in the success of the attempt.
Clever Teamwork Blocks the Keeper’s View
Prior to the kick, it was observed that Arsenal’s goalkeeper, David Raya, had a clear gap in the wall. This gap could have given him a crucial view of the ball as Fernandes prepared to strike. However, Zirkzee and Casemiro showcased their tactical acumen by filling this gap at the exact moment Fernandes took his shot. Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp highlighted the brilliance of this move, explaining, "I want to explain why I think this is so hard to stop. First, you have to give credit to the striker of the ball, but what Zirkzee and Casemiro do is really clever." As Raya got ready to react, the gap he relied on for visibility was eliminated, leaving him with no chance to see the ball until it was already over the wall.
Controversy Surrounding the Wall Positioning
Adding to the intrigue of the goal was a controversy surrounding the placement of the wall. Referee Anthony Taylor set the wall at 11.2 yards from the ball, which is slightly more than the required 10 yards according to the rules. This extra distance provided Fernandes with more space to aim his shot, enabling him to clear the wall more easily. Redknapp further noted, "That’s why it’s quite smart from whoever has devised that free kick. The keeper is now looking at the ball through a smaller gap, and with the top spin Fernandes put on it, there was no chance of getting anywhere near it."
A Crucial Goal in a Challenging Half
United’s goal was particularly crucial as it came at the end of a half where they had been under significant pressure from Arsenal. The Red Devils had struggled to maintain possession and create scoring opportunities, but this set piece provided the much-needed breakthrough. The confidence boost from this goal could not be overstated, as it allowed United to shift the momentum and potentially influence the second half of the match.
Arsenal’s Resilient Response
Despite United’s early lead, Arsenal showed resilience and managed to equalize through Declan Rice in the second half. The goal by Rice was a testament to Arsenal’s determination and their ability to bounce back from setbacks. However, the controversy and the tactical brilliance displayed by Fernandes and his teammates in the first half remained a focal point of the match, highlighting the fine margins that can determine the outcome in high-stakes games.
Fernandes’s Recent Set Piece Success
Fernandes’s ability to score from free kicks has seen a notable improvement in recent matches. This goal against Arsenal marks his second free kick goal in his last three appearances, a significant turnaround for a player who had scored only one free kick in his previous 183 Premier League appearances. United’s tactics, particularly the intentional positioning of players to block the goalkeeper’s view, have been instrumental in this success. Interestingly, a similar strategy was employed during Fernandes’s goal against Everton two weeks ago, where Zirkzee and Harry Maguire filled the gap in the wall to block Jordan Pickford’s view, leaving the England number one rooted to the spot as the ball hit the bottom right corner.
Ruben Amorim’s Impact on United’s Set Pieces
While Ruben Amorim’s tenure as Manchester United’s interim manager may not have significantly improved the team’s overall results, his influence on set piece routines is undeniable. The clever tactics and precise execution seen in Fernandes’s recent goals suggest that Amorim has made a positive impact in this area. His ability to devise and implement such strategies is a bright spot for United, even as they continue to search for more consistent success in the Premier League.
