At the start of this decade, clashes between Arsenal and Manchester United were still potentially title-deciding affairs, but when the pair meets on New Year’s Day at the Emirates they will have more modest goals in mind.
United has not won a league title since Alex Ferguson’s final season in charge seven years ago, while Arsenal has to go back to 2004 for the last time it raised the Premier League trophy, during the reign of Arsene Wenger.
Both clubs entered this season hoping to finish in the top four, but while Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has guided United to fifth place, just a point off the Champions League spots, Arsenal languishes in 12th, 11 points behind fourth-placed Chelsea after its home defeat to Frank Lampard’s side on Sunday.
Arsenal’s poor form led to the dismissal of its Spanish manager Unai Emery and the arrival of his compatriot, former Gunners midfielder Mikel Arteta.
Talking big
Having left his role as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City, Arteta is talking big despite beginning with a draw at Bournemouth before Sunday’s loss.
“We are the biggest football club in England, and we have to play a little bit with that arrogance, that belief,” Arteta told Sky Sports, urging the club’s fans to make the Emirates a fortress again.
“This stadium has to create fear again. I used to hate coming here as an opponent, and we need to use that power. The opponent must be uncomfortable playing here,” he said.
“It was incredible to play here as an Arsenal player. It’s one of the most beautiful, exciting stadiums in the world. When this crowd gets going, and you feel them right behind the team, it’s an incredible place,” he added.
United heads to London on the back of wins over Newcastle and Burnley, and with French forward Anthony Martial and England’s Marcus Rashford having struck five times in those games.
French midfielder Paul Pogba is expected to be part of the United squad for the clash with the Gunners as he continues his return from a three-month injury absence.
Runaway leaders Liverpool hosts Sheffield United on Thursday, looking to maintain its unbeaten run and 13-point advantage over second-placed Leicester City.
Brendan Rodgers’ Foxes are at Newcastle, while third-placed Manchester City has a tricky test at home to Everton, which has won both its games since appointing Carlo Ancelotti as their new manager.
David Moyes begins his second spell as West Ham United manager, following the dismissal of Chilean Manuel Pellegrini, when the Hammers host fellow strugglers Bournemouth.
The fixtures: Brighton v Chelsea, Burnley v Aston Villa, Newcastle v Leicester, Southampton v Tottenham, Watford v Wolverhampton Wanderers, Manchester City v Everton, Norwich City v Crystal Palace, West Ham v Bournemouth, Arsenal v Manchester United.
