Journalist Samuel Luckhurst was critical of Christian Eriksen in Manchester United's 3-2 defeat away to Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday.

The Lowdown: United beaten at Arsenal

Erik ten Hag's side faced one of their biggest matches of the season so far, making the trip to the table-topping Gunners and looking to keep their title hopes alive.

Marcus Rashford's stunning strike gave United the lead but Eddie Nketiah swiftly equalised with a header in what was a hugely entertaining first half.

Bukayo Saka nudged Arsenal in front after the interval before Lisandro Martinez levelled it again. Just as the two teams looked set to share the spoils, Nketiah struck again from close range late on to seal victory for the Gunners, the goal given after a VAR check.

The Latest: Eriksen criticised for goal

Taking to Twitter, Luckhurst was critical of Eriksen for his involvement in Saka's goal.

The Manchester Evening news journalist tweeted:

"Eriksen needs to do better there and arguable De Gea could have been better set for it. Takes a step to his left a split-second before Saka hits that and it's costly."

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The Verdict: Slight drop-off?

Eriksen has been a brilliant signing for United since arriving last summer  - Michael Carrick has called him 'fantastic' - but it's fair to say that today wasn't his strongest performance in a Red Devils shirt, even aside from the moment that Luckhurst referenced.

According to Sofascore, the Dane had just a 71% pass completion rate against Arsenal, also failing to play a single key pass and losing the ball 18 times during a frenetic contest in north London.

Eriksen remains a key player without question - he is United's joint-eight highest-rated performer this term as per Sofascore - but it is easy to forget that he will turn 31 next month and that midfield battles can pass him by physically, especially against such a relentless Gunners team.

Ten Hag could be wise to rotate him a little more during the second half of the season, having started him in every Premier League game since mid-October, in order to prevent him dropping off as the campaign goes on.