Apr
12
2008

Manchester United v Arsenal – History and Preview

Written by Ahmed Bilal

Manchester United v Arsenal

Watch Manchester United vs Arsenal live online.

Manchester United play Arsenal on Sunday, 13 April needing to win to keep Chelsea at arm’s length.

Arsenal have been United’s trickiest opponents since Alex Ferguson took over at Old Trafford in November 1986. The London club have won 13 league fixtures against United in this period and collected 53 points, more than any other club. Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger has been in charge for eight of these victories, including three at Old Trafford.

Arsenal have won four matches at United since November 1986, a total bettered only by Chelsea’s five in the same period.

Most league wins against Manchester United since Alex Ferguson became manager

# wins
Club
Points
13
Arsenal
53
12
Chelsea
52
11
Liverpool
45
7
Everton
29
7
Southampton
27
7
Norwich City
23
6
Tottenham Hotspur
28
6
Manchester City
27
6
Middlesbrough
25
6
Sheffield Wednesday
25
6
Nottingham Forest
23


Arsenal’s wins against Manchester United since November 1986

Date Match
Result
Arsenal manager
21 Jan 2007 Arsenal – Manchester United
2-1
Arsène Wenger
17 Sep 2006 Manchester United – Arsenal
0-1
Arsène Wenger
08 May 2002 Manchester United – Arsenal
0-1
Arsène Wenger
25 Nov 2001 Arsenal – Manchester United
3-1
Arsène Wenger
01 Oct 2000 Arsenal – Manchester United
1-0
Arsène Wenger
20 Sep 1998 Arsenal – Manchester United
3-0
Arsène Wenger
14 Mar 1998 Manchester United – Arsenal
0-1
Arsène Wenger
09 Nov 1997 Arsenal – Manchester United
3-2
Arsène Wenger
04 Nov 1995 Arsenal – Manchester United
1-0
Bruce Rioch
06 May 1991 Arsenal – Manchester United
3-1
George Graham
20 Oct 1990 Manchester United – Arsenal
0-1
George Graham
03 Dec 1989 Arsenal – Manchester United
1-0
George Graham
17 Dec 1988 Arsenal – Manchester United
2-1
George Graham

BetUKnow Preview

A month ago, all eyes were set on this match, as it should have been the title decider, with both Arsenal and Manchester United looking unstoppable at the time. Now, due to the results of both teams in the last month, Arsenal come to this match with no such expectations, as United proved to be just too good.

The general idea, obviously, is that Manchester are heading towards a tough match, which they will eventually win. It’s a legit estimation, but at the same time we must remember this: If Chelsea beat Wigan, as expected, an Arsenal win will blow the title race wide open.

As this is Arsenal’s last chance to get something out of this season, one can expect The Gunners to give it all they have. True, Manchester United is a better team, but without Vidic and with the injured Ferdinand, Arsenal’s prolific strikers can find the way in. This also goes the other way, as Arsenal will find it hard to cope without the injured Flamini, whose attacking skills are much better than the player who’s expected to fill in for him – Gilberto Silva.

Manchester United were able to rest both Rooney and Ronaldo for the 2nd leg against AS Roma. This might prove as a great move, as both these players will come up a bit fresher to finish Arsenal home at the dying seconds of the match. It will be a perfect end for a glorious season for Arsenal, brought us great moments of football, but at the same time saw lady luck laughing at their expense.

Just like the bookies when we look at BetUknow community more then 50% thinks that Manchester United will win this interesting encounter while the rest split evenly between a draw and a win for Arsenal.

Predictions:

I’d expect Arsenal to score here but apart from that, it’s all pointing to a United win. What do you guys think?




Discussion - 10 Responses

  1. 12/04/2008 SpiralArchitect

    I’ll let you know after the game… ;)

  2. 12/04/2008 Frankie

    There’s no doubt that Arsenal have the quality to win, and they will fight very hard. But fatigue and United’s own quality will ultimately catch up with them. Like United against Milan last season, Arsenal may find that they are running on empty, not steam.

    If Arsenal score first, United to win by the odd goal. If United go ahead, then United by 2 goals.

    In this title eliminator, Arsenal will be eliminated. Over and Out.

  3. as doog fan i we like man utd to sigh a righ back and a good 9

  4. Even as a United fan I feel Arsenal are still well in the the title race, obviously they’re 3rd favs, but I believe they’re still capable. They have a decent record at Old Trafford and it will be difficult to beat them tomorrow. If we have one of our days whereby we have huge possession but don’t take our chances, our title bid could take a big dent tomorrow.

  5. 13/04/2008 Daniel Wilson

    I am eight years old.I am an Arsenal fan.I think Arsenal will
    win today because they beat AC Milan 2:0. Also Arsenal have Fabregas who is my favourite player!

  6. 13/04/2008 SpiralArchitect

    A pretty cool video of the rivalry if i do say so myself –

    http://youtube.com/watch?v=OYYfQIZOA6Y

  7. 13/04/2008 Frankie

    As I said in Post 2: “If Arsenal score first, United to win by the odd goal”. Result: Arsenal score first, and United win 2-1.

    Arsenal are now history. Bring on Chelsea and Barcelona. United can and will play better.

  8. good prediction Frankie

  9. 14/04/2008 michael

    Frankie: well done, good prediction! And to your point about united not playing to their best, I’ll be honest and say I thought we were terrible in the first half, and Scholes was shockingly bad. Rooney, Evra and often rio were the only players at a decent level for the whole match, although Tevez and Anderson both did well.

  10. 14/04/2008 Frankie

    Thanks, Taron and Michael.

    I couldn’t agree with you more Michael about the poor quality performance of United, particularly first half. Ferguson and Queiroz have said as much themselves. United were so off the pace, the passing was poor and with a few exceptions they seemed to be riddled with nerves and self-doubt.

    I have had an interest in the respective performances of Scholes and Anderson all season. I feel Anderson is now the better player for the really big games. He brings more to the team. He energises the United midfield and gets in the face of opponents between the penalty areas.

    Against opponents with pace (Arsenal) or physical power (Chelsea) I would now always opt for Anderson. Scholes can still do a good job against the lesser teams;or in games which are relatively slow tactical battles (e.g., Roma away)where he is given time on the ball; or when United are well in front, Scholes can help keep possession and run the clock down.

    Yesterday, against Arsenal the game was so quick that it seemed to pass Scholes by. He couldn’t get to opponents to close them down, he made virtually no tackles, and his passing was poor. Anderson’s injection of pace, power, and quick passing as well as his ability to harass opponents and close down space were desperately needed. When he came on, he did not disappoint.

    When United need to wrest control of a game from top opposition, Anderson for me has got to play. The boy’s a warrior, a leader, fearless. Did you see his gestures to his team-mates when he came on against Arsenal – arms pumping, geeing them up, trying to instill belief and confidence.

    United bought 4 very good players last summer, each of whom has made an important contribution to United’s season so far. But for me, the best of the lot has been Anderson. When he has competed head to head with the likes of Gerrard, Mascherano and Fabregas he has lost nothing in comparison.

    Anderson will be the complete player in a couple of years; once that is, he learns how to shoot!

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