Friday, March 29, 2024

Why This Is Arsenal’s Best Chance To Beat Man Utd In Over 10 Years

Arsenal’s record against Manchester United has been an unfortunate one. Arsene Wenger’s record stands as: Played 36 – Won 10 Drawn 10 Lost 16. Moreover, Arsenal’s last victory against Manchester United in the league was in May 2011 when Aaron Ramsey’s winner separated the two sides. Since then the Gunners have lost 5 out of the last 6 matches against United, which included the humiliating 8-2 loss at Old Trafford in August 2011.

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No doubt under Sir Alex Ferguson in recent years prior to his retirement the Scotsman got the better of Wenger where it ended with defeat and missed chances. Even under David Moyes’ doomed tenure last season the ex-Everton manager had a good record against Wenger – winning 1-0 at Old Trafford in November last year before holding Arsenal to a goalless draw at the Emirates. However, Saturday’s game at the Emirates is the best chance Arsenal has had in defeating them in a very long time for a multitude of reasons.

Firstly, Manchester United’s manager Louis Van Gaal has an awful injury list to contend with, which was further compounded by the international break. Currently the Dutchman has 12 first team players unavailable or classed as doubtful for their upcoming game against Arsenal – four of those twelve suffered injuries during the international break.

David De Gea dislocated a finger in training for Spain but could play on Saturday. Angel Di Maria suffered an ankle injury somewhat ironically to Nani’s (who is on loan at Sporting Lisbon from Manchester United) ill-timed challenge but could play. Daley Blind is out for up to six few weeks after injuring his knee for Holland while Luke Shaw hobbled off with a hamstring injury.

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It means Van Gaal could be forced to field a ramshackle defence, as Marcos Rojo dislocated his shoulder nearly a fortnight ago, while Phil Jones and Jonny Evans could play on Saturday but are coming back from respective injuries. Even in attack rumours grow about the durability of Radamel Falcao’s fitness although it is confirmed the Colombian will play on Saturday. However, United’s defence is under strength, and comprises of players back from injury whose lack of match fitness could be exposed come the weekend if put under pressure.

Secondly, although Arsenal has to contend with an injury list of their own in defence, the return of Theo Walcott is timely. The 24 year old will no doubt give that added pace, which no will doubt pose problems for any defence if properly utilised. It reinforces Arsenal’s attack with the pace of Walcott working well with Alexis Sanchez’s direct runs that will give the Chilean options but also support in attack.

Thirdly, Arsenal is well known for their firepower in attack, and their players have performed well for their countries during the international break. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (against Scotland) and Danny Welbeck (against Slovenia) scored for England while Jack Wilshere won Man Of The Match against Slovenia. Moreover, Alexis Sanchez was at his incisive best scoring for Chile against Uruguay. No doubt Wenger will the players can replicate that for their club and there’s no bigger game after the international break than Manchester United. It’s up to them to take that chance.

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