Henrikh Mkhtaryan Shows Exactly What Stuff He Is Made Of, As He Paints Old Trafford Red Against Spurs

“My next goal has to be at Old Trafford,” were the words of Henrikh Mkhitaryan on Thursday after scoring in his sides 2-0 win in the Europa League against Zorya in Ukraine. Fast forward to Sunday and the former Borussia Dortmund attacking midfielder lived up to his word, scoring a solo goal against Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham in Old Trafford. The goal on Sunday was the fourth time the Arme goals in their last four games in all competitions having scored twice and assisted twice. Having signed for United for £27 million (with a year to run in his Dortmund contract) after his amazing impressive exploits in Dortmund, it was only a matter of time before fans come to see the best of last season’s German Bundesliga Player of the Year.
Despite the criticism that trailed his early season form after struggling to exert his influence in the derby game against City in the league in August, Mkhitaryan has done his talking on the field , becoming unplayable and almost irreplaceable in the few games he has been involved in since last month. At 27, the midfielder is in his prime considering how he has evolved over the years maturing and progressing under Thomas Tuchel after struggling under Jurgen Klopp during their time together at Dortmund.
“It wasn’t easy for him from the start, but his (Mkhitaryan) integration was speeded up by his high level of football intelligence. His game awareness is perhaps his most valuable quality, that and his speed, power and technique.”
“Henrikh was gifted by nature and that he’s developed because of those virtues , he’s one of the players who most consistently fulfils the tasks set by the coaching staff. Working with him is fun,” were the words of his manager Mircea Lucescu in 2013 at Sharkar Donetsk.
Such was Mkhitaryan’s form last season that he ended up creating 15 assists in the league for his teammates as well as scoring double figures. Against Spurs, the attacker who favours playing In the middle slightly behind the main striker was deployed on the right wing of attack from which he terrorised the likes of Danny Rose and Ventoghen before opening the scoring later on in the first half . The attacker did not just attack, he alsocker did not just attack, he also defended in equal measure often doubling up on the likes of Hyeng Min Son, Dele Alli and Christian Eriksson on several occasions during the game. Unlike his team mate (Anthony Martial) on the left wing who failed to provide cover for Darmian in defence allowing Moussa Sissoko to run riot on the wings after his introduction in the second half (Darmian ended up attempting five tackles losing four in the opening 60 minutes as Spurs used his wing all day).
Not just that Mkhitaryan’s game was impressive, the passion and verve of his team mates must also be commended considering how United made Spurs look so ordinary in the first half having prevented Spurs from completing a single pass in their (United) 18 yard box in the first 50 minutes of the game. Ander Herrera on his own was also sublime , providing his second assist this season equalling his last season’s total of two.
At the end , United failed to continue with their initial vibe and intensity as Pochettino’s substitutions (Winks and Sissoko) raised Spurs’ game resulting in Spurs creating more chances 10 compared to United’s seven. Spurs also had better possession 52% when compared to United’s 48% although United had more shots 15 to Spurs’ 12.
The loss of Mkhitaryan through injury later on in the game after sustaining ankle injury following a harsh tackle from Danny Rose will see him out until Boxing Day which is a bad news for not just United fans but also football fans who favour attacking football. United on their part will be savouring the win today having recorded six draws in 14 games already this season before the game. Though this game failed to take United up ahead of 4th placed Spurs who are three points ahead , the win is surely a welcome development at this point in time for the North West team.
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