LIVE STREAMING: Arsenal versus Manchester United [Click to watch]
One of the Premier League’s (PL) all-time classic meetings headlines this weekend’s fixtures as Arsenal host Manchester United.
Recent meetings between the two have been a far cry from both sides’ glory days under Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson respectively, but better days look to be returning for the Gunners, who have moved eight points clear at the summit after victory in the North London derby, though Manchester City’s win in midweek has since cut that gap.
Mikel Arteta described that win over their local rivals as a ‘very special day’ for the club as another commanding performance reinforced their title ambitions. In fact, Arsenal have never had this many points at this stage of a season, with the only blemish on their PL record a 3-1 defeat in the reverse H2H against United in September.
Avenging that defeat and keeping City at arm’s length is bound to be at the forefront of their minds and the chances of it happening appear strong, as the Gunners are unbeaten in each of the last four H2HS AT THE Emirates Stadium (W3, D1).
They’ll face a United side whose momentum was dealt its first blow in midweek since the season’s resumption. Michael Olise’s sensational stoppage time equalizer ended the Red Devil’s nine-match winning run in all competitions promting Erik ten Hag to criticize his side’s lack of clinical edge, saying they need to “invest more” in searching for a second goal to kill the game.
In spite of that setback, Manchester United are looking for an 11th match without defeat for the first time since March 2021, with the added incentive that victory would move them to within five points of Arsenal. A solid defence will likely be required to produce another positive result, and with United only conceding six goals in their last ten games. They look well placed to deal with the Gunners’ threat. They will have to cope without Casemiro though, who misses the game through suspension after being cautioned for the fifth time time against Palace.
The midfield battle looks set to be key at the Emirates, and Granit Xhaka has enjoyed this fixture down the years, scoring from outside the box in two separate H2H victories. He’ll be facing off with Christian Eriksen who has now assisted seven PL goals this term – only Kevin De Bruyne has more.
Arsenal’s 12 goals scored in the last 15 minutes following half-time is the highest in the PL.
