When I was a kid, Arsenal vs Manchester United games are considered as epic as El Classico of these days. Times have changed now, gone are those days when both the teams face each other in those epic title deciding clashes. Even though the intensity of rivalry has come down in recent times, it’s still one of the important fixtures in the premier league calender. Securing 3 points will be crucial for both teams in their race to qualify for the champions league.
Let’s look into three key duels that will determine the outcome of game at Emirates,
1. Alexis Sanchez vs United Defence
Alexis Sanchez has already proved why Arsenal paid big money for his signature during the Summer transfer window. The Chilean international is on sensational form this season, scoring 8 goals in 10 premier league games. He will be the key man for Arsenal against the Red Devils. If United defenders let him to play his natural game involving those trademark high speed turns and dribbles, then it will tough for the visitors to gain any kind of momentum that is required to beat the gunners at their own backyard. Containing Sanchez is not that easy anyway. Chelsea is probably the only team this season who managed to completely neutraize the threat from the former Barcelona man. Sanchez loves shifting wings and drifting into central areas to find more spaces, making life more difficult for the defenders in the process. Along with the defenders, may be some one like Fellaini should be assigned the task of man marking him when he drifts into those central spaces.