Manchester United vs Arsenal. Although a game that was much more meaningful in Premier League terms during the Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger rivalry, it’s still a match that means an awful lot to fans from both sides.
Despite the fact United and Arsenal find themselves on contrasting trajectories in terms of recent form, there is reason for both sides to approach this fixture with optimism. The winner would be well-placed to push on for the coveted fourth spot, with runaway trio Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool already looking clear of the chasing pack.
An area that highlights that difference in form and will be a key battle in the clash at Old Trafford is the right-hand side of United and the left-hand side of the visitors.
Beginning with the opponents, Emile Smith Rowe has been one of the standout players for Arsenal this season and has often had a huge influence on his side’s victories.
Compare that to Aaron Wan-Bissaka, however, and the English full-back has endured a difficult personal start to the season and has come in for his share of criticism in United's underwhelming start to the 2021/22 campaign.
In The Arsenal Way ’s latest YouTube show, presented by Tom Canton and Hush Kerai, United On My Mind writer Omar Garrick entered enemy territory as the trio looked ahead to the big clash on Thursday evening, including the battle down United’s right-hand-side.
HK : “The comparison between a settled full-back system for Arsenal compared to the upheaval at United. I think that tells the story about what’s been going on across the whole pitch from just these key areas.”
OG : “A key point is the battle between Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Emile Smith Rowe because Wan-Bissaka has struggled positionally. If Arsenal create overlapping runs against him, they could be in for an absolute treat.
“In the Manchester derby where Phil Foden and Joao Cancelo were making overlapping runs on the left channel, they tore United apart. Whoever plays on that left side, if Arsenal do make overlapping runs against Wan-Bissaka, they could be in for a field day.
“Positionally he’s been all over the place and United fans have now, especially with the emergence of the likes of Reece James, identified the weaknesses and flaws in Wan-Bissaka’s game because going forward he doesn’t really offer a lot."
HK : “I feel for him because going forward he obviously has his limitations but defensively before this season he was seen as very competent especially in one-on-ones. But what’s happened is he’s now being drawn out with players going in behind and wide past him.
“I think Smith Rowe’s single best quality is the timing of his runs and his movement. He might have a really good evening at Old Trafford.”
TC : “It will be intriguing to see how Arteta sets up because you can’t underestimate the attacking players United have. Defensively there are of course a fair few questions despite recent improvements. Whereas Arsenal we know defensively they’ve been quite good, besides the Liverpool game.”
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