Adrian Clarke looks at key tactical points and players who can be decisive in Matchweek 6.
Antony (MUN)
Manchester United’s new signing Antony is a left-footed wide man who will improve Erik ten Hag’s attacking firepower.
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The 22-year-old averaged a goal every 206 minutes for Ajax across the last two campaigns in the Eredivisie, while also producing a total of 12 assists.
His stock rose dramatically during last season’s UEFA Champions League.
In the competition, the Brazilian produced six direct goal involvements in seven appearances (two goals and four assists).
Should he feature at Old Trafford on Sunday, Antony will seek to make a good early impression by cutting in from the right against league leaders Arsenal.
Antony's 2021/22 UCL stats
| Ave. per 90 | Rank | |
|---|---|---|
| Shots | 4.1 | 9th |
| Assists | 0.6 | 9th |
Antony’s primary weapon is a left foot that can produce game-changing moments, and he is not afraid to try his luck with shots from distance.
Reminiscent of Arjen Robben and Riyad Mahrez, the gifted Brazilian is at his best when travelling inside from the right channel with the ball at his feet.
Seven of his 12 goals last term were almost carbon copies of one another.
His trademark is to cut inside before curling precise left-footed shots into the far corner.
Five of those seven strikes were aimed from outside the penalty area.
Goals and assists in all comps
| 2021/22 | Left-footed | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 12 | 12 |
| Assists | 8 | 9 |
| Goal distance | Total |
|---|---|
| 0-6 yards | 0 |
| 7-18 yards | 7 |
| 18+ yards | 5 |
Ten Hag will use Antony as an inverted right winger, and if he sees match action against the Gunners it will be down to Kieran Tierney and left-sided centre back Gabriel to block off his shooting opportunities.
Antony has excellent balance, regularly using body feints to beat his marker and create space.
If the visiting defenders stand off him or get fooled by one of Antony’s tricks, they could be in trouble.
A nightmare for defences
The winger has enough pace to run in behind but is at his best with the ball at his feet.
According to Fbref, of those dribbles he has averaged 11.6 progressive ball carries per 90 minutes in the last 12 months.
The Brazil international will curl inswinging crosses into the opposition box as often as possible.
This could be good news for Cristiano Ronaldo, who loves to attack aerial balls that are aimed in his direction.
He is still a little raw and may need time to adjust to the level, but Antony’s left foot is undeniably brilliant.
If he does not use it to chip in with regular assists and goals it will be a big surprise.
