Country: Wales
Where there once were three now only two remain. With Frank the dinner lady getting the boot it’s now a huge battle between the two PE teachers for supremacy.
Whereas the clash in October was a low quality affair with two teams who were at pretty low ebbs this suddenly looks a cracker of a game.
Since a defeat at Goodison on December 19th looked to have left Arteta on the brink, we’ve won 5 of the last 6 league games and only conceded two goals.
A side that looked devoid of ideas has been revitalised by Saka playing on the right and ESR breaking through. Partey has looked imperious since his return, our back four looks solid despite changing personnel and Lacazette has hit very good form with good underlying statistics.
Ignoring non-qualifiers Laca is currently second in the league for shots on target per 90 after DCL amongst all players. Even if he’s not the most clinical that’s incredibly encouraging going forwards.
As for Utd we know they’re almost unrecognisable from the side that looked abject when we played at Old Trafford. They’re unbeaten in the league since that game and have only dropped six points.
Bruno is obviously grabbing the headlines but Pogba has looked very strong since returning as well as Cavani and Rashford looking a lethal strikeforce. Improved performances from Shaw and Maguire have meant they’ve looked a lot better at the back as well.
Doubts
From our point of view there’s suddenly a bit of worry:
Thomas Partey - Arteta said he couldn’t last 60 minutes and was struggling
Kieran Tierney - Assessed for discomfort in the left leg
Pablo Mari - Aiming to be back in training this week
Emile Smith-Rowe - Felt muscular discomfort in his leg against Southampton
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang - Away from the squad for personal reasons with no set return date
Dani Ceballos - Not yet back in training but will be assessed in the coming days
For Utd the only regular starter who’s a doubt is Rashford but he should play tonight for them according to Ole.
This is a line up with all the doubtful players missing but obviously if ESR, Partey, Auba and KT are available they’ll all be starting.
I’ve no clue if Ødegaard will play but if Auba, Ceballos and ESR are all missing that means it’s likely to be either him or Willian.
Looks a poor team but this is really worst case scenario so hopefully it won’t come to that.
The last time we beat Utd at home and Arteta’s first win as Arsenal manager.
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