Three Points: Arsenal vs. Manchester United

Manchester United travel to the capital this weekend for a matchup with an old rival, and current league leaders, Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta’s side are in search of a win after consecutive 0-0 draws in the Premier League, and with an opportunity to extend their advantage ahead of Manchester City in the race for the league title. Manchester United, meanwhile, are hoping to continue a resurgence after a 2-0 Manchester Derby win for the first match under interim manager Michael Carrick.

Staff writer Suwaid looks ahead at the matchup and three points of emphasis going into enemy territory at the Emirates.

Wide Players

Against Manchester City, Michael Carrick opted for pace in the wide areas. The logic was simple: City leave a high line, and United would look to exploit it. Arsenal play a high line at times as well, but they have defenders well-equipped to handle pace and take a more cautious approach anyway, so it’ll be interesting to see who Michael Carrick uses on the flanks. 

Striker 

The same logic was applied in the centre forward area. Bryan Mbeumo’s pace and power stretched City’s backline. It wouldn’t shock anyone to see him start up top in this game and use the second-ball tactics that were deployed against Liverpool at Anfield earlier in the season. 

However, there’s a case for using Matheus Cunha up top as he’s given Arsenal’s backline headaches in the past. With Cunha, United have someone who can play with his back to goal and pull Arsenal’s sturdy defenders away from their comfort zone. 

Set-pieces 

Arsenal are lethal on set pieces, and United have struggled to defend them in recent seasons. If United are well-prepared for whatever Arsenal have to throw at them from set-pieces, United could leave North London with all three points.