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With a convincing win against Chelsea just last week, Arsenal look fresh and are seemingly ready to go the distance under Unai Emery. On the other hand, Ole has won 7 games out of the 7 he managed being a Manchester United manager.
Both the teams have been on top form lately, though Arsenal has shown much lack of motivation while playing away from home. So, as they are playing Manchester United at home, I feel this is going to be Manchester United's first defeat under Ole.
Emery and co are back to their best, as they shattered Chelsea to bits last week, though the scoreline says otherwise. Arsenal completely dominated the first half, going with a 2 goal lead into the second half, and Emery had his plans clear for the rest 45 minutes; defend with discipline and as a team.
There are quite a few reasons why I think Arsenal will go into the next round of the FA Cup beating Manchester United, and without further ado, let's get straight into it.
#4 Unai Emery has found the perfect formation for Arsenal
The gaffer has been trying every formation available at Arsenal since the time he joined Arsenal. He started his Arsenal tenure with a 4-3-3 formation, but later changed to a 3-4-3 and he kept switching for every game. Unai Emery is a coach who prepares differently for every team and does not have a confirm starting eleven.
However, he played a 4-4-2 against Chelsea, with Ramsey taking up the number 10 role and Guendouzi, Granit Xhaka, and Torreira protecting the back line. This formation absolutely paid off for Arsenal as they not only kept a clean sheet against a side like Chelsea but also restricted them to only 1 shot on target in the whole 90 minutes; a big feat for the Arsenal defenders, considering the number of goals they have let in this season.
The center-back pair of Sokratis and Koscienly was rock-solid for the Gunners, and they are likely to start every game from now on. Also, Ramsey played an impactful role as a number 10. Defensively, he was all over the pitch, and closely man-marked Jorginho the whole game, leaving Chelsea stranded.
Therefore, a 4-4-2 formation is most likely to be deployed, with Aubameyang and Lacazette as strikers, and Ozil or Iwobi as a number 10 this time.
#3 The midfield duo of Guendouzi and Torreira
Unai Emery kicked off his season with Arsenal with 5 signings, out of which two of them are Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi. Without a shadow of a doubt, these two are the most loved players at Arsenal currently. Guendouzi, at the age of 19, is already better than most of the premier league midfielders, and he is certainly one for the future.
On the other hand, Lucas Torreira has been a class apart. The Urugyuan is loving life under at London under Unai Emery and he has turned out to be one of the best players for Arsenal this season. Well timed tackles, incredible efficiency, tremendous focus and a great goalscoring knack sum up Torreira's season with Arsenal.
These two have been playing a vital part under Unai Emery and unsurprisingly, they both were Unai's first signings as an Arsenal manager.
#2 High work-rate and incredible efficiency amongst the Arsenal players
Unai Emery's game style demands unreal fitness and work-rate from the players. He has even assigned his strikers with defensive duties, and you'll often notice Aubameyang and Lacazette dropping back to their own box to make tackles.
Last week, Chelsea succumbed badly to Arsenal's high pressing and aggressive game, leaving them with no options for passes but to just clear the ball. The 'Sarri-ball' is a possession-based game, as he wants his keeper to be equally good with his feet like the rest of the players. However, Arsenal did not let them make many passes and often capitalized on mistakes from Chelsea's defenders.
Though Manchester United do not play a possession-based game, the aggressive and high-paced Arsenal style will not give them minutes to think before making passes. The Gunners close down gaps and force the opposition to make back passes.
It will be interesting to see how Manchester United cope up with Arsenal's playing style. Except for Tottenham, they haven't really met a tough side who could give them a run for their money. With a win over Chelsea, Arsenal might be more pumped up for the game than ever.
#1 Unai Emery's tactical nous
Unai Emery knows what he has to do, and the players he has been trying to sign in January says it all. He knows where Arsenal are lapsing and, with the budget available to him, he is trying his best to help his side finish in the top 4.
Emery's game style of keeping possession of the ball and pressing high up the pitch after possession loss is a style of play, not every player is comfortable with. He is currently working with Arsene Wenger's players, and he needs a complete overhaul in the squad to execute his ideas into the team.
Against Chelsea, he planned and directed the team to go all out attack in the first couple of minutes of the game, making it difficult for Chelsea to enter Arsenal's half. An early strike from Lacazette gave a huge boost to the team, as that was what Emery planned for; scoring first.
Arsenal pressed extremely high up the pitch and Emery played to Chelsea's weaknesses, and this is what he does to every team. He doesn't depend upon a particular style, he adapts and overcomes difficulties with ease.
Though I'm certain Unai Emery won't start all his key players, as they have to play Cardiff and Manchester City next week. He'll approach the game wisely, and I am sure Arsenal are capable of running away with a win.
