Arsenal vs Manchester United: 3 Key Battles That Will Decide The Game

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.

2. RVP vs Arsenal Fans

RVP

You can expect plenty of boos ringing around at Emirates when ever Robin van Persie touches the ball. Once idolized by the Emirates faithful, RVP is now one of the most hated figures at the grove. The flying dutchman has already scored more than once against the Gunners after making his infamous move to Old Trafford. This psychological battle between the Arsenal fans and RVP would be a crucial factor that can determine the outcome of the game. RVP is not playing his best football of late, but we all know he has the ability to change a course of a game with one moment of brilliance from his dangerous left foot. Will the boos and jeers from the crowd effect his performance? or will it further boost him to perform better? We will find out during the game.

3. Wenger vs van Gaal (tactical battle)

This one is probably the most important duel of this fixture. Arsene Wenger’s philosophical football vs van Gaal’s tactical mastery. Many fans (in social networks) have criticized Wenger  for his inability to have a plan b when his team struggles playing their trademark passing game. Wenger may not be as good as van Gaal or Mourinho when it comes to tactical adaptability, but he is a master mind in his own way. Usually, his tactics are in-built with his philosophical style of football. If executed properly, Arsenal’s style can even trouble the best teams in the world. Opening stages of the last season champions league match vs Bayern at Emirates is one such example of how effective their style of play can be. On the other hand, van Gaal is known for changing his tactics/formation more often, making it tough for the opponents to predict their gameplay. You can expect him to have specific plans for key opponent players like Sanchez and prepare his team in a way that they can exploit the weakness of the opponents to win the tactical battle.