Arsenal will have the chance to make Premier League history when they face Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday. A victory would see them become the first team to win five consecutive league games against United, a feat that highlights their dominance over their old rivals in recent seasons.
Despite a growing injury crisis, the Gunners enter the fixture as strong favorites. Key attacking players Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, and Kai Havertz will all be unavailable, forcing Mikel Merino to continue as a makeshift forward. However, Arsenal showed their depth and attacking prowess in midweek, demolishing PSV Eindhoven 7-1 in the Champions League.
The match also presents an opportunity for Arsenal to gain revenge for their FA Cup exit in January. On that occasion, United managed to battle through with 10 men and ultimately won in a dramatic penalty shootout. However, in the league, Arsenal have had the upper hand, winning four straight matches against the Red Devils, including a 2-0 victory at the Emirates in December.
Last season, Arsenal secured a narrow 1-0 win at Old Trafford, courtesy of a Leandro Trossard goal in the penultimate game of the campaign. With confidence restored after their European exploits, Mikel Arteta’s men will be looking to extend that run and tighten their grip on the title race.
Former Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp believes Arsenal’s strong form will continue at Old Trafford, particularly after Martin Ødegaard’s impressive brace against PSV. “Manchester United weren’t great against Fulham, and while they did well against Real Sociedad, I don’t know how much that game took out of them,” Redknapp told BetVictor. “Arsenal were superb in Eindhoven, and I can only see an away win here.”
However, not everyone is convinced. United legend Gary Neville expects his former club to rise to the occasion. “I think this is the kind of fixture where United turn up and upset the odds,” Neville said. “The crowd will be behind them, and I think it will be 1-1.”
United manager Ruben Amorim will be hoping for just that as he looks to build some consistency in a season filled with mixed results. His side’s recent performances have been unpredictable, and facing Arsenal at home presents both a challenge and an opportunity to make a statement.
With Arsenal chasing history and United looking to defy expectations, Sunday’s clash at Old Trafford promises to be a thrilling encounter.