United v Arsenal - The Lowdown

Credit; Football corner



It's been a clash of the titans for some time, but I doubt many fixtures have been important that Arsenal's trip to Old Trafford tonight.

Arsenal head to the home of the Red Devils top of the Barclays Premier League after five wins in their last six, prompting pundits to suggest maybe it's time that Arsene Wenger's no longer 'youngsters' made their mark on England's top flight.

What better way to do that than to win tonight against the 11 times English league Champions?

The game tonight could see United replace Arsenal at the top should it end in a home win and, with United still unbeaten in the league this season, do Wenger's side have enough grit, belief and confidence to take the game to Sir Alex's United?

I see no reason why not, with the side playing good football, creating chances and having one certain Samir Nasri playing unstoppable football at times.

Nasri has really stepped up this season after injuries to Robin van Persie and captain Cesc Fabregas.


Credit: oleole.com

If he can create opportunities for the likes of Robin van Persie, Marouane Chamakh and Cesc Fabregas, should he return from injury, then we might just have an early Christmas cracker on our hands.

The Gunners' recent head to head record, however, does not make easy reading for fans of the north London side.

Last season, United came away from both games with maximum points and have only lost one of their last 10 games at home to Arsenal in all competitions. On that occasion, the aforementioned Samir Nasri inspired the Gunners to a 2-1 home success at the start of the 2008/09 season.

Wayne Rooney scored in both games last season and he will be hoping he can kick-start a turbulent season for the 25 year old.

Rooney seems not to be enjoying his football since picking up an injury against Bayern Munich in the Champions League last season.


Credit; premierleagueupdates.com

He has only scored 1 goal since the contract situation and has yet to score in the league after his return to the side. I wouldn't put it past him to break that duck tonight.

Maybe Arsenal are due a win in Old Trafford and they should be full of confidence after beating neighbours City 3-0 back in October, but tonight's result could have a huge bearing on the title race, with Chelsea faltering.

Should United win, they will be two points clear at the top with superior goal difference after their 7-1 demolition of Blackburn Rovers, and with a game, away at Blackpool, in hand after its postponement.

One crucial part of Arsenal's title challenge has been their improved form away in the North West.

Previously, ties at the likes of Bolton, were bogey ties for Wenger but his kids have been successful on their two visits this season, against City and Blackburn.

Alan Hansen once said you can't win anything with kids and he was proved wrong. Now it's Arsenal's turn to prove doubters wrong.

Credit; Arsenal FC

United have, for some time, had big game players. Paul Scholes, who is expected to start tonight, Ryan Giggs and Rio Ferdinand all save their best form for these big games, whereas Arsenal tend to buckle under the pressure.

One thing is for certain, United weren't at their best against Valencia in the Champions League but I think they will create enough chances against a dodgy Arsenal defence that has missed Thomas Vermaelen.

That problem is shown by Arsenal having conceded nine goals in their last 4 league games and that is one fact that United will look to exploit tonight.

Arsenal may have most of the ball, but possession isn't everything, it's what you do with it, as Cristiano Ronaldo showed when United scored their superb breakaway goal in the Champions League two seasons ago.

If you include Tottenham, given their 4th place finish in May, as part of the top four with Manchester United and Chelsea, Arsenal haven't picked up three points against any of their rivals since the end of October. 14 months ago.

Only one win in the last 8 against either of the two big guns is a record that will not win trophies and so it has proved for the Londoners, who have now gone 5 years without winning a trophy, despite their run in the Carling Cup this season.

The word to describe them would be inconsistent.

Two players from the Arsenal side which beat United 1-0 at Old Trafford in 2006 survive; Cesc Fabregas and Emmanuel Eboue although Theo Walcott, who came on to ensure Champions League qualification on Wednesday night, was on the bench.





Will Walcott and co be celebrating come tonight?



Credit; Daily Mail

If it is to be Arsenal's season, they have to get a result today and not only that, but they need to follow it up with results against Stoke, Chelsea and Wigan, all of whom the Gunners the side last season.

Times like this decide title challenges and it could all go wrong for one side, but I expect a great, open game tonight and it could be a fantastic watch.