What Arsenal must get right to defeat Manchester United
Arsenal welcome Manchester United to the Emirates Stadium as they look to tighten their grip at the top of the table.
The Gunners know this fixture carries real importance as the title race continues to build momentum.
Mikel Arteta’s side head into the match on a run of two Premier League games without a win. That spell has raised small concerns, and Arsenal will be eager to return to winning ways at home.
United arrive in north London full of confidence and belief. Michael Carrick’s side secured an impressive 2-0 win over rivals Manchester City in their last outing.
While Arsenal remain favourites on paper, the visitors still carry clear threats across the pitch. The Red Devils have shown this season that they can punish teams that lose focus for even short spells.
Control the midfield battle
One key area Arsenal must focus on is midfield control throughout the match. United possess quality in that area, with Bruno Fernandes acting as the main source of danger.
The Portuguese midfielder has already scored five league goals this season. His nine assists also place him at the top of the assist chart in the Premier League.
Fernandes showed his influence against Manchester City, where he dictated play with confidence.
Kobbie Mainoo also impressed in that game, offering energy and control alongside him.
Arsenal will need a strong showing from their own midfield to limit that influence. Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice must raise their level and impose themselves early.
Winning second balls and closing space quickly will be vital for the home side. Any hesitation in midfield could allow United to grow into the contest.
Be ruthless in front of goal
Another major area Arsenal must address is their finishing in front of goal. The Gunners cannot afford to waste chances as they did against Nottingham Forest and Liverpool.
United have looked unsteady at the back at different points this season. Senne Lammens has recorded only three clean sheets this season, highlighting issues in their defensive structure.
Arsenal must take advantage of any weakness shown by the United defence. Early goals could unsettle the visitors and give the home crowd something to build on.
Failing to take chances may allow United to gain confidence as the game goes on. That scenario could place unnecessary pressure on Arsenal later in the match.
Arsenal must be cautious of Manchester United’s threat from set pieces
Set pieces will also play a key role in deciding the outcome. Arsenal have earned praise for their strength from dead ball situations this season.
However, United are also dangerous in this area and must not be underestimated. According to Sky Sports, United have scored the second-most set-piece goals.
They sit just one goal behind Arsenal, with 14 goals scored from such situations. This makes concentration at the back even more important for the Gunners.
Although Arsenal’s defence has been strong, lapses in focus have led to goals conceded.
Any loss of attention against a confident United side could be costly.
If Arsenal want to protect their seven point lead at the top, they must deliver a complete performance.
Only their very best level will be enough against a refreshed and confident Manchester United.
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