Preview: Arsenal v United
After knocking over the modest talents of Wigan, Aston Villa, Dynamo Kiev and Middlesbrough with the thrilling precision of a young Mike Tyson, in Arsenal, United at last face an adversary worthy of the name.
Sir Alex’s team travels to north London in top form. A cruel spate of injuries has not stymied the rhythm of the defending champions, allowing the manager and fans to delight in a ruthless attack and a miserly defence.
But this opponent is like no other domestic challenger United will face. The 2005 FA Cup mugging was one of several recent reverses against Arsene Wenger’s team that seem to have encouraged hesitancy in the United ranks when the two teams meet.
Despite trailing United by 21 points last year, Arsenal did the double over the champions, sneaking a last minute winner in the corresponding fixture when United were well-placed but inexplicably fell away. The memory of the football lesson Arsenal delivered at Old Trafford in an earlier September fixture, would have muted any United anger at the injustice of the Emirates Stadium defeat. Chelsea under Mourinho appeared to have the measure of United and Gooners gloat that Wenger has created another side which has United within its compass. If that view is to be undone, what better time is there to start than tomorrow afternoon?
A controlled performance based on disciplined defending, quick passing and movement and counter attacks at speed, should give Arsenal more than enough to think about and undermine the midfield supremacy that Wenger will hope to exert. The Arsenal boss has shaped his team to play the normally dour 4-5-1 with panache. By crowding the midfield with players of excellent technique, Arsenal have become the Premiership’s midfield powerhouse.
Ferguson, with Scholes absent, might just be tempted to withdraw Tevez in favour of Fletcher’s midfield savvy. Evra, possibly United’s best player this term, could return at fullback to add pace to United’s left flank. There is talk too of Carrick appearing for the first time since breaking his elbow against Roma.
Otherwise, the team picks itself. Giggs should come in for Nani given his experience and craft.
On paper, the United team is more than good enough to get a result at the Emirates. Arsenal have football purists purring and have rightly claimed plaudits for some terrific entertainment this term. But Wenger’s side lacks the variety of United, the individual brilliance of United and the venom of United in full flight.
All Fergie’s men have to do on Saturday is prove all of this, to claim three points and so much more.
