In-form Arsenal host Manchester United in the Premier League on Saturday evening in what looks to be a massive game both clubs’ seasons.
Arsenal have been enjoying an upward trend in the top flight recently as they are unbeaten in their last six matches – with five of them victories. The Gunners are only improving under manager Mikel Arteta with his methods slowly sinking in.
As a result, a late push for the Champions League isn’t completely off the table yet as they ninth – just seven points off the top four going into this weekend’s round of Premier League fixtures.
The Emirates outfit impressed on Tuesday night as they won 3-1 at Southampton to continue their unbeaten run.
Arteta has a young core in place with the likes of Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and Joe Willock – to name a few – growing in influence in his side. They have also bolstered their attacking options with the loan signing of Real Madrid playmaker Martin Odegaard, who could make his debut. Arsenal are really starting to grow and gel as a team and should really push second-placed Manchester United on Saturday.
The Red Devils will feel they should be making the trip to north London as table-toppers but they blew the chance to do so after a shock 2-1 home defeat by bottom of the table Sheffield United. Wednesday night’s performance was poor and questions have since been asked about manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s defence as both goals they conceded were very preventable.
Coming from behind to win hasn’t been a problem for United, having picked up the most points out of anyone in the Premier League from losing positions this season, but that wasn’t to be in midweek. Perhaps, the Red Devils were overconfident going into the game as talk of them challenging for the title grew.
The defeat by the Blades would have been tough and it’ll be interesting to see how United respond against Arsenal. Despite Solskjaer’s side sitting 10 points clear of Arsenal, it would be foolish to write off the hosts. For Arteta’s men this may be the perfect time to play United and continue their resurgence up the table. It would also see them complete a league double over their rivals having won 1-0 in the reverse fixture on November 1.
If Arsenal manage to keep up their form on Saturday, then there is a strong chance they will get something from this match, especially if there is a hangover from United following Wednesday’s horror defeat.
By Joe Hayhurst
