After the match on the evening of 25/1, Amad Diallo drew attention for his sarcastic remarks aimed at the opposition. On social media platform X, the Cote d'Ivoire midfielder commented, "Arsenal's only hope is corner kicks", accompanied by a crying-laughing emoji, in response to an Arsenal fan. The 23-year-old player then followed up by writing, "be humble kid" along with a silence emoji. These posts quickly went viral, garnering hundreds of thousands of views.

The origin of the exchange stemmed from a pre-match post by the Arsenal fan, who predicted the "Gunners" would win against Man Utd 4-0 and claimed the "match script was already set". After the game, Amad quoted that post, accompanied by an image of the 3-2 scoreline favoring Man Utd and the caption "enjoy it kid", along with a winking emoji.

Amad Diallo's notable comment on social media platform X, following Man Utd's 3-2 victory over Arsenal at Emirates Stadium, London, England, in the 23rd round of the Premier League on the evening of 25/1/2026. *Photo: TU*

The exchange between the two parties continued briefly, before the Arsenal fan expressed surprise and disappointment at being publicly responded to by a Man Utd player. This individual did not want Amad to reply to their post again. Meanwhile, Man Utd fan accounts continuously shared the 23-year-old midfielder's comments. "@TheUnitedExtra humorously commented, "Build a statue for Amad Diallo."

This season, Arsenal has been notable for their ability to score from set pieces. According to the *Daily Mail*, the London team has scored 26 goals from dead-ball situations, the most among Europe's five top leagues. In contrast, the goal-scoring form of Arsenal's key attacking players from open play is causing concern.

Bukayo Saka has not scored in his last 13 matches across all competitions. Viktor Gyokeres has gone 11 consecutive Premier League games without scoring any non-penalty goals. Gabriel Martinelli has also not scored in 13 consecutive domestic league matches. Leandro Trossard has only one goal in his 11 recent appearances, while Noni Madueke has yet to score in 25 Premier League games.

Against Arsenal, Amad started on the right wing and played 88 minutes. This was his second consecutive start under coach Michael Carrick, following a victory against Man City. Man Utd secured a full six points against two major rivals, significantly improving the team's atmosphere. Under Carrick, Amad's role is more attacking. Previously, he was often used as an attacking wing-back in a five-defender system under coach Ruben Amorim. Bryan Mbeumo's move to a central striker position has given Amad more space on the right wing, which is his natural strength.

Amad Diallo outmuscles an Arsenal player for an aerial ball during Man Utd's 3-2 victory at Emirates Stadium, London, in the 23rd round of the Premier League on 25/1/2026. *Photo: AFP*

Former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira also criticized his former team's attacking players. On *Sky Sports*, Vieira questioned Arsenal's "mental strength" in the title race. He argued that not only the result, but also the manner in which Arsenal lost, was concerning. Vieira pointed out that Saka and Trossard did not create enough threat against Man Utd. Arsenal needs players who can lead the team mentally, play with more energy, and take more risks. According to Vieira, Declan Rice was the rare player who performed at the expected level, while many other players did not meet the requirements in an important match.

By Hoang An