Nope, those changes at Utd, especially, stopped us having any attack possibility, effectively making us loose. So no, they were not made to win but, I suspect, not to loose. If you think that Maresca changed all attackers for defenders to win the game, then I can't really tell you much more.
That's my point. He wasnt left on the pitch because the needs for the team. Whether that works or not is on the manager but down to 10 men, you need everyone working defensively. Can we rely on stevo to do that job? Maresca doesnt think so, hence why he was subbed off.
That's not your argument though, you said he wasn't that good. Now your argument is that he isn't defensive enough?
He was our best attacker in that first half by far going forward.
Great... when we were 11v11... if he was good at the defensive side of the game he would have most likely been left on the pitch wouldnt he?
Arsenal would have been delighted to see Estevao subbed off at HT.
No doubt... but they would also have loved the fact we were down to 10 men and set up for the second half accordingly and did.
I'd also argue Sanchez had a mare in not coming for a cross inside the six-yard box over Neto being in the wrong place. That was keepers ball to punch or clean out the box all day long and win a free kick jumping with Morino. He was rooted on his line.
6 of us on five of them in those images, while James was a collusus, he's not picking anyone up and is marking space. Gusto isnt even goal side of Merino and is looking at him. Where are is fofana and chalobah, cucurella let the ball come into the box as well.
=========
Lets not forget, had he put his chance away that he ballooned into space, we would have possibly been 2-0 ahead by the time they scored their goal. That miss, regardless of what you think is simply a lack of composure. See Jackson thread last season - Its not a bad thing, he's young and will learn.... but does Cole Palmer lash that over from there? dont think he does.
Barca was a garnish to our league campaign and they played 60 mins at 10 men. Arsenal at home is the bread and butter of our season and we played 45 mins with 10 men.
Dont get me wrong love Stevo, but there's a lot more to come and improve from him. Im looking forward to it.