Last weekend, Mikel Arteta's Arsenal squad dropped points for the first time this season, settling for a 2-2 draw against Fulham. In contrast, the Red Devils orchestrated a thrilling comeback to defeat Nottingham Forest 3-2. Arteta exuberantly claimed that Arsenal's performance in the recent draw with Fulham was "ten times better" than their 2-1 victory over the same opponent at the same point last year. Nevertheless, some Arsenal fans may have held different opinions by the end of the match.
Arsenal had previously won unconvincingly against Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest but conceded an early goal at the Emirates, courtesy of Andreas Pereira. However, Bukayo Saka, whose pass set up Pereira's goal, redeemed himself by converting a penalty, and Eddie Nketiah appeared to secure Arsenal's flawless start to the season.
Fulham, however, had other plans as they managed to secure an unlikely point with Joao Palhinha's expertly placed shot, despite Calvin Bassey's red card earlier in the match. This result pushed Arsenal down to fifth place in the Premier League standings.
While seven points from a possible nine isn't catastrophic for the reigning Community Shield champions, Arteta's early-season tactical experiments have sparked both confusion and criticism. These innovations have yet to address Arsenal's glaring defensive issues at home. In fact, Arsenal has only kept one clean sheet in their last nine Premier League home matches. However, the team's attacking prowess often compensates for these defensive shortcomings, as they have scored at least twice in nine of their last ten top-flight matches at the Emirates.
Last weekend's goal-laden matches weren't exclusive to London, as Nottingham Forest made history by becoming the first team to score twice within the opening four minutes against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Despite this surprising start, Manchester United managed a commendable turnaround, with Christian Eriksen, Casemiro, and Bruno Fernandes leading the charge. This win came after a disappointing 2-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur.
Erik ten Hag's team currently occupies the eighth spot in the early-season rankings, following their victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers and the win against Arsenal. While Manchester United is renowned for their home resilience, their away record leaves something to be desired, with just three wins in their last 11 Premier League away matches and only one goal scored in their last four away games.
In their previous encounter, Ten Hag's team defeated Arsenal 3-1 at Old Trafford, but the Gunners had their revenge with a thrilling 3-2 triumph at the Emirates in January. It's been quite some time since Manchester United secured a Premier League victory on Arsenal's home turf, with the last instance being in December 2017 when Jesse Lingard stole the show.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
Arteta's concerns about the left-back position will see some relief with Takehiro Tomiyasu returning from a one-game suspension. Additionally, Oleksandr Zinchenko appears to have fully recovered from his calf issue. Unfortunately, the team still has long-term knee injury concerns with Jurrien Timber and Mohamed Elneny remaining sidelined.There were worries that Eddie Nketiah, who recently received his first call-up to the England national team, might have sustained a knee injury in the Fulham draw. Fortunately, it appears to be nothing serious. Arsenal fans also welcomed the return of Gabriel Jesus from surgery as he came off the bench last week, easing concerns. Folarin Balogun has left the team to join Monaco.
With Zinchenko likely to be considered for the left-back role, Gabriel Magalhaes, who was recently out of favor, may re-enter Arteta's plans. This could potentially affect Kai Havertz, who has had a lackluster start to his Arsenal career.
While Arsenal sees defensive reinforcements, Ten Hag faces some untimely setbacks in defense. Raphael Varane had to be substituted during the Nottingham Forest game and is expected to be sidelined for a few weeks, with Victor Lindelof likely to fill in. Additionally, Ten Hag's options are limited due to injuries to Luke Shaw (muscle), Tyrell Malacia (muscle), Mason Mount (thigh), Kobbie Mainoo (ankle), Amad Diallo (knee), and Tom Heaton (calf). However, there is hope regarding the fitness of Rasmus Hojlund, who might overcome a back problem to make his first-team debut.
Ten Hag has confirmed that Sergio Reguilon, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur, is available, although his lack of recent match action may see him start on the bench while Diogo Dalot continues at left-back.
Furthermore, there's an agreement for an initial loan deal with Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat. However, Amrabat needed to be registered by 12 pm on Friday to be eligible for his debut in this match.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Arsenal possible starting lineup:Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Rice, Partey; Saka, Jesus, Martinelli
Manchester United possible starting lineup:
Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Martinez, Dalot; Casemiro, Eriksen; Antony, Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund
EXPERT PREDICTION
Arsenal 2-1 Manchester United
Nketiah, who has been in great form, and Jesus, who is back from injury, should be excited to face a weakened Manchester United defense. If Arsenal follows the fundamentals of the game correctly, the fans at the Emirates Stadium could be cheering for a remarkable victory when the match ends.
