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When Manchester United and Arsenal face each other in any competition, most of the footballing world comes to a stand still and it will be no different when two of the most marketable teams in the world battle it out at Old Trafford during this Saturday’s lunch-time kick-off.
The two sides have had contrasting seasons so far, with the Gunners just two points off the top. On the other hand, Manchester United have found themselves in a bit of a mess after a flawless start, which saw them win their first three matches in August.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has never defeated his Manchester United counterpart Jose Mourinho in a league match in his career and although the Frenchman might not admit it, that is something that could be a psychological handicap for the visitors going into this weekend’s game.
While the managers might have their own strifes, here, we look at three battles that could decide the match between Manchester United and Arsenal:
David de Gea v/s Alexis Sanchez
Alexis Sanchez and David de Gea are, arguably, the two most important players for their respective teams.
Sanchez, who has been given a new role this season - playing up front as the lone striker, has shone and according to many is the best bet for the PFA’s Player of the Season gag in April. In 11 league appearances, he has six goals (highest for club) and three assists (joint-highest for club).
De Gea, on the other hand, has had one or two troublesome moments this season, but is still so very vital to the Red Devils. His recent diving one-handed save off Philippe Coutinho in the game against Liverpool will stay in the memories of football fans for a long, long time to come.
The battle between the two could most likely decide the match with the Chilean eager to get one over a man who has kept four clean sheets in 11 appearances in the Premier League this season. With Eric Bailly still nursing a knee ligament injury and Chris Smalling out of action due to a broken toe, De Gea will be hopeful that his make-shift centre-backs step up to the plate.
Manchester United’s defence will need to be at their best to contain a world-class player like Sanchez, who apart from scoring goals, has also proven to be a danger to opposition teams by dropping deep and letting wingers Theo Walcott and Alex Iwobi make advanced runs from the flanks.
Juan Mata v/s Nacho Monreal
Juan Mata, according to many, has been Manchester United’s best player in the Premier League this season. The fact that he is now a regular starter in a Jose Mourinho team - the same manager who found him to be surplus to requirements at Chelsea - speaks volumes about Mata’s performances.
Although comfortable in multiple positions, on Saturday, Mata is most likely going to start on the right-wing and will come up against fellow Spaniard Nacho Monreal.
Monreal might not be one of the superstar names on the Arsenal team sheet, but he has been one of the most consistent players for Arsene Wenger’s team since joining the club in January 2013. Only one player in the Premier League this season has made more intercaptions than Monreal’s 38.
This battle between two of the most consistent players on either side could prove vital to the final result of the game.
Paul Pogba v/s Granit Xhaka
This is another battle between two summer signings, which promises to be a fine one.
Paul Pogba, since joining Manchester United for a world record fee from Italian giants Juventus, has often been mocked by many for his supposed sub-par performances. Two goals and zero assists in 10 league matches might look like a poor return from the world’s most expensive player, but one must note that Pogba’s failures have a lot to do with his misfiring team-mates than it has to do with himself.
You could just look at zero assists and say that the French midfielder isn’t doing enough in his role as a creative player, but since his return to Old Trafford, he has created 19 chances in the league - which is equal to Chelsea’s Eden Hazard.
On the other hand, Granit Xhaka has played just over half the number of minutes compared to Pogba in the league this season but is already creating a healthy impression with the Arsenal faithful. Just like Pogba, the Swiss midfielder is also known for scoring stunning goals - with him already accounting for two screamers in the Arsenal kit this season.
The battle between Pogba and Xhaka will decide which team will control the game and that, as we know, determines the outcome of a match more times than not.
