Arsenal vs. Manchester United - Preview

I am sure that over the last three years, there has not been an Arsenal - Man Utd. tie that the Gooners have not dreaded going into. There was an aura of invincibility surrounding the Man Utd. side since they defeated us 2-0, bringing to an end a 49 match unbeaten run. After that the results were evidence of the struggle that Arsenal faced against the Devils. 4-2, 0-0, 2-0 are hardly convincing results. Other than the FA Cup Final of 2005, when Arsenal won on penalties, there was not a match that Arsenal won against Man Utd. since the morale sapping 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford.

In the last season, Arsenal did the double over Man Utd. and they were quite convincing performances. Although the team ended the season 21 points adrift of the Champions, somewhere, there was a blemish on the trophy that made its way to Old Trafford. SAF would have definitely loved to have both won the league and have wins over Arsenal. That was not to be and worse still, his side were defeated quite comprehensively in both the games. And those defeats have not been forgotten...

According to many critics, the Gunners team this season has had to face minnows, and most of them at home. And according to them, the demolition of any team in a home game does not count for much. However, what they forget is that the same team has won away games at Tottenham Hotspurs and has defeated Sevilla in the CL. And then, there was the fight back from being a goal down to secure a draw at Anfield, the so called fortress of Liverpool. A game that the team could have won.

All this has not got unnoticed and the current form of the Gunners is sending signals to the top four that the kids are not to be fooled around with. And that is exactly what SAF confirmed by being present at the Arsenal - Liverpool game. He was not there without a reason. He wanted to see for himself and assess for himself the team that the critics had written off at the start of the season and the team which is now proudly at the top of the table, with a game in hand over his team. He was there to try and find out deficiencies in the side, to try and find the weak links. And I am sure, to a large extent, he was disappointed.

The team showed great spirit and resolve in coming back from being a goal down. There was a lot of enthusiasm and lack of fear on the part of the youngsters to secure a draw at Anfield. And if they can continue the same run of form at the home game against Man Utd., we are sure to be in for a treat of a match. Man Utd. are not going to give in easily and since the match is against their arch rivals, they are going to throw everything at the Arsenal defence, including the kitchen sink. And I am sure the "kids" are ready for that and are prepared with their own washing machines and household utilities for throwing at the Devils.

Till Saturday, then...

/Radgovin