This historical fixture which normally produces fireworks is a huge game for both sides. Arsenal face Manchester United knowing they can’t afford another slip-up if they are to clinch a Champions League spot. United can’t afford to take their eye off the EPL if they want a backup plan to win the Europa League. You can follow all the action, live scores and the blog on The Roar from 1am (AEST).
Arsenal go into the game on the back of a disappointing defeat in the North London derby. The Gunners need to get back to winning ways if they have any real chance of reaching fourth place.
The Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, says only a win will do: “Manchester United are a big club and a big rival over the years, what is important is to have the chance to achieve our target. We have no choice, we have to beat them.”
The Gunners were in good form going into the game against Spurs last weekend, winning three games in a row including an impress victory against Manchester City in the FA Cup semifinal.
Manchester United’s attention seems to be focused on winning the Europa League, however achieving fourth place will take the pressure of United.
However, the Red Devils’ chances against Arsenal will be made more difficult with the recent injuries they gave picked up in defense and midfield, which has left United’s squad depleted.
Jose Mourinho has warned he may make up to seven changes for the game. “The players that are with lots of minutes because we played nine matches in April and this one, so 10 matches in four-and-a-half weeks. The players that are in accumulation, they are not going to play at the weekend,” said Mourinho.
Facts and Stats
It’s the 50th EPL meeting between Arsenal and Manchester United. Arsenal have won 12, United 22, and there’s been 15 draws.
Arsenal have only lost one of their last 15 Premier League home games (W11, D3). Their last home defeat was against Watford in January.
Manchester United are unbeaten in 25 games, however United have had a problem with drawing games this season, 12 draws in the last 25 games.
Prediction
I think Arsenal will be too strong for Manchester United. Arsene Wenger needs a win to keep their Champions league qualification dream alive, and to keep the fans on side. While Manchester United seem to be focusing on the Europa League, and I expect Jose Mourinho to make plenty of changes ahead of this match.
Arsenal 2-1 Manchester United
You can follow all the action, live scores and the blog on The Roar from 1am (AEST).
Elliot Howey
Roar Guru
Arsenal 2-0 Manchester United Arsene Wenger has recorded his first EPL victory over Jose Mourinho, as Arsenal saw off United to keep alive their Champions League qualification aim. It's Arsene Wenger 1st EPL win over Jose Mourinho, which is a run of results that stretches all the way back to 2004. Goals from Granit Xhaka and Danny Welbeck sealed all three points for the Gunners, who needed a win if they had any chance of reaching one of the Champions League spots. For United , it looks like their best chances of playing Champions League football next season is winning the Europa League. Arsenal had the best chance of the first half, when Ramsey received the ball at the byline inside Manchester United's box. The welshman found Welbeck at the front post but Phill Jones did well to block the effort. Manchester United looked dangerous on the counter attack all game , and their best chance of the half came on 32 minutes. Rob Holding’s poor pass was intercepted by Wayne Rooney who was 10 yards from goal,however Cech managed to close the space down and blocked the shot. The second half started cagey , until the 55th minute when a long range effort from Xhaka took a wicked deflection off Herrera and looped over the head of de Gea, 1-0 Arsenal. Five minutes later Arsenal doubled their lead through Welbeck , great play down the right wing by Chamberlain who was impressive through out the 90 minutes, found Welbeck with a cross. Welbeck got in-between two United defenders and headed past de Gea. Jose Mourinho reacted by sending on Marcus Rashford , but the striker couldn't rescue the points for United. Rooney had two long range efforts late in the second half , but Arsenal looked comfortable and saw out the win.
Elliot Howey
Roar Guru
Full Time here at the Emirates Arsenal 2-0 Manchester United A huge win for Arsenal in their race for a Champions League spot. It's Arsene Wenger 1st EPL win over Jose Mourinho, which is a run of results that stretches all the way back to 2004. What a game we have seen today thanks for following the blog. Full Match report to follow
Elliot Howey
Roar Guru
Full Time Arsenal 2-0 Manchester United
Elliot Howey
Roar Guru
90' We will have 3 minutes of added on time at the Emirates. Arsenal 2-0 Manchester United
Elliot Howey
Roar Guru
89' United Chance Rooney strikes the ball well , but Arsenal defenders charge down the shot , great defending. Arsenal 2-0 Manchester United
Elliot Howey
Roar Guru
86' Arsenal trying to slow the game down and see out his result. Arsenal 2-0 Manchester United
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Roar Guru
84' Welbeck off Danny Welbeck comes off to a standing ovation from the home fans, been excellent today the striker, Giroud is on. Also Chamberlain is replaced by Bellerin Arsenal 2-0 Manchester United
Elliot Howey
Roar Guru
83' United corner Rashford takes the corner short, but Arsenal manage to clear the ball. Arsenal 2-0 Manchester United
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Roar Guru
81' Rooney wasteful again another long range effort by Rooney fails to trouble Cech. Arsenal 2-0 Manchester United
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Roar Guru
80' Great run by Chamberlain who has been very impressive today. Unfortunately he can't get the cross in after a great run and dribble. Arsenal 2-0 Manchester United
Elliot Howey
Roar Guru
75' Xhaka off coquelin on Arsenal 2-0 Manchester United
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Roar Guru
74' Rooney fires over Not for the first time today Rooney fails to hit the target with a long range effort. Arsenal 2-0 Manchester United
Elliot Howey
Roar Guru
73' Great play by Ozil Ozil tries to find Welbeck with a cross , however the ball is just wide of finding the Arsenal striker. Arsenal 2-0 Manchester United
Elliot Howey
Roar Guru
70' Still Arsenal 2-0 Manchester United here . Big 20 minutes for both sides in the race for a Champions League spot
Elliot Howey
Roar Guru
67' Yellow card Koscielny the defender is booked for a foul on Martial. Arsenal 2-0 Manchester United
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Roar Guru
65' Great save by Cech Rooney's freekick is well saved by Cech , who has made a few good saves so far today Arsenal 2-0 Manchester United
Elliot Howey
Roar Guru
63' Rashford on Marcus Rashford comes on and Herrera comes off an attacking move by Jose , but his side need to score 2. Arsenal 2-0 Manchester United
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Roar Guru
62' Jose has reacted to going 2-0 down. United's first change of the game. Lingard is on and Mkhitaryan is off. Arsenal 2-0 Manchester United
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Roar Guru
58' Crazy 5 minutes here at the Emirates Arsenal 2-0 Manchester United
Elliot Howey
Roar Guru
Goaaal Welbeck Arsenal 2-0 Manchester United