The Sports Lowdown For All Your News and OpinionsArsenal vs Manchester United has always been a massive game and has always been a feisty affair and the clash at the Emirates could go along way to map each side’s season out.
United go into this game three points ahead of the Gunners, and could make a bold statement regarding their title challenge if they were to go to the Emirates and win.
The main focus of United’s season so far has been the surprisingly impressive performances from 19 year old striker Anthony Martial. The French striker was an Arsenal target, but the large price tag put Wenger off the deal, a decision that could backfire. In six appearances for United the forward has scored four goals, and he will be hoping to make it five this Sunday in an attempt to repay the incredible price tag of £36 million.
United have had a solid start to the season, and their 2-1 win against Wolfsburg will give them great confidence going into a crucial game. It will be interesting to see how their makeshift defence copes against their first real test in the league, Luke Shaw’s absence has already impacted the stability of United’s back four, and conceding two goals against Southampton proved that. So how will they fare against the pace of Walcott and Sanchez?
Arsenal on the other hand have had a stop start season so far. Their defeats to West Ham, Chelsea, Dinamo Zagreb and Olympiakos have proved that there are still weaknesses within the squad and still lack the leaderships that the likes of Tony Adams brought to the team. Their shocking display against Olympiakos particularly highlighted their lack of leadership, to concede a goal 90 seconds after equalising is appalling, and this squad needs to change their ways if they want to stand a chance in the tittle race. The game against United is an excellent opportunity to prove to their fans and their rivals that they can win the title this season.
Arsenal Wenger has accused his players of lacking passion and desire following their defeat to Olympiakos, and he will be hoping his underperforming players step up in what is once again a must win game.
If the Gunners were to win this game, they would put themselves level on points with Manchester United and would give them the belief that they have the team to go all the way to win the Premier League.
