By Alex Roberts
Arsenal came out 2-0 winners the last time these sides met in December, with both goals, of course, coming from corners. United haven’t exactly acknowledged their defensive frailties since then, failing to win in their last five games across all competitions.
Mikel Arteta will doubtless be intent on making up for their midweek League Cup woes, having lost the first-leg of their semifinal 2-0 to Newcastle United on Tuesday.
It’s a cliché for a reason
In the defeat to Newcastle, it had never been clearer just how much Arteta’s side were in dire need of a ‘traditional’ number nine. Alexander Isak tore them apart, while Kai Havertz was largely ineffectual at the other end.
Arsenal’s ongoing struggles to clinch the Premier League title in the last two seasons have often been attributed to their lack of a player like Isak. It’s no surprise, then, that the Swedish international has been linked with a move to the club.
Yes, Havertz has had his moments, and could very well score a hattrick against Man United on Sunday, but in the long run, it’s a position Arsenal need to address.
A rare bright spark
Amad Diallo has rightfully been awarded a new contract at Man United, keeping him at Old Trafford until the summer of 2030, with his previous deal set to expire at the end of this season.
After scoring the winner in the Manchester Derby win over Man City, a goal in the 4-3 defeat to Tottenham, and now the equaliser in the 2-2 draw with Liverpool, Diallo has become Amorim’s man for the big occasions.
Both Diallo and United have saved their best performances for the ‘big six’ this season, and Arsenal should be wary.
Hale End’s latest Starboy
Left-back has been an issue for Arsenal this season. Riccardo Calafiori and Oleksandr Zinchenko have been in and out of the side due to various injury issues, and despite his return, Keiran Tierney doesn’t seem to have a future at the club, looking set to leave the club on a free at the end of the season.
Up stepped Myles Lewis-Skelly. His performance in the defeat to Newcastle was typical of an 18-year-old defender, maybe a little naïve, but willing to put the work in and learn from those around him.
He’s already made 13 appearances across all competitions this season, seemingly earning the trust of Arteta. Ethan Nwanari may be getting all the headlines, but Lewis-Skelly may be the next big thing.
An interesting goalkeeping decision
Amorim has confirmed Altay Bayındır will be playing between the sticks instead of first-choice André Onana, raising a load of concerns among the fans who saw his performance in the recent defeat to Tottenham.
Beyond the biggest statistic of all, the four goals he conceded, the Turkish shot-stopper had one error that led to a goal, a 61% pass accuracy rate, and a dismal 17% long ball accuracy rate.
It may well be a long day for Bayındır.
Prediction
It’s going to continue to get a lot worse before it gets better for Amorim at United, if it does at all, this season at least. We’re going to go with a 3-1 Arsenal win.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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