The time has come for another edition of Jose Mourinho versus Arsene Wenger saga.
It is not an unfamiliar situation for Jose but it is very different for Arsene. Chelsea or Manchester United, it doesn’t matter for the Portuguese boss as his aim has always been beating the more stylish teams and managers.
But for Arsene Wenger there is something new. The Frenchman’s record against Jose has always been awful but in addition to that he has not beaten Manchester United at Old Trafford in the Premier League for more than a decade. For him it is like two enemies combining, to make the pain even worse.
17 September 2006 was the date when Arsenal last beat Manchester United in the Premier League. Having said that, Arsenal eliminated United from the FA Cup by winning 1-2 at Old Trafford two seasons ago. Arsenal also did beat United twice last season – first in Community Shield and then in the Premier League at Emirates, but they went down at Old Trafford in the game where Marcus Rashford announced his arrival.
But there was no Jose Mourinho last season in the Red Devils’ hotseat. The head to head between these two managers tells the story. 15 games played, eight wins for Mourinho, just one for Wenger and six draws. Arsenal scored only seven goals in those games but conceded 23.
But the fact is that every game is a new chapter. Arsenal at present are six points ahead of Manchester United. The Gunners are unbeaten in their last ten league games and have won seven whereas the Red Devils have won just one of their last five league games.
The Special One has become ‘Special Once’ in many eyes because Mourinho who made his name by beating the more fancy sides year-in-year-out has already received a loss against Pep Guardiola and Antonio Conte whose Chelsea side walloped United 4-0.
A typical Jose performance was seen at Anfield where free-scoring Liverpool were stopped easily and Manchester United came back with a point in bag. Against Arsenal, whether he will go for the win or another 0 0 is to be seen.
The big news for United fans is that Zlatan Ibrahimovic is suspended for this match after collecting his fifth booking at Swansea. Eric Bailly and Chris Smalling are also ruled out. Wayne Rooney should be fine but Marouane Fellaini is a doubt.
Arsenal will miss the services of Hector Bellerin, Santi Cazorla, Lucas Perez, Per Mertesacker and Danny Welbeck. Alexis Sanchez will be assessed.
I am sure every football fan cannot wait for the match to begin which is the first game of Gameweek 12 in the Premier League. This game can really go anyway but history between the two managers suggests that Jose Mourinho will once again frustrate Arsene Wenger. But, can Arsenal end their November curse and can Arsene get over the Mourinho hoodoo?
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