Match Preview: Arsenal vs Man Utd

We host old rivals Manchester United on Wednesday night, kicking off a run of seven fixtures in December.

With 13 goals in our last three outings, it appears we've rediscovered our spark after a four-game winless run in the league. However, we cannot afford any slip-ups in our pursuit of the Premier League title.

Manchester United will look to build on their undefeated start under the guidance of new Portuguese manager, Ruben Amorim. The Red Devils fired four past Everton at Old Trafford in Amorim's first Premier League home game, marking the biggest margin of victory for a permanent manager in their first home match at the club.

Ruben's Reds

Life in the red half of Manchester has been tumultuous since the departure of 13-time Premier League winner Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013. Ruben Amorim will be hoping to steady the ship and propel United up the league table.

A point away at Ipswich marked Amorim's first game in charge of United. It took less than two minutes for his front-foot style of play to make an impact, as Marcus Rashford netted the opener. The passionate Portuguese is one of the few to deploy a three-at-the-back formation in the league – something United fans haven't seen since Ole Gunnar Solskjær.

Attention turned to the Europa League as United look to finish in the top eight, which would guarantee qualification for the next round.

They survived a scare against Bodo/Glimt, coming from behind to win 3-2 in Amorim's first home game in all competitions.

This, along with their 4-0 win over Everton, leaves United unbeaten in Amorim's first three games and up into the top half of the table.

Last Season at the Emirates

We defeated United in dramatic fashion, winning 3-1 in September 2023.

We entered the game unbeaten in our opening three fixtures, determined to dethrone treble winners Manchester City.

Marcus Rashford gave United the lead in the 27th minute after we lost the ball in the final third and were caught on the counter. However, we demonstrated our tenacity, responding just a minute later through Odegaard's left-footed strike.

In the second half, we were awarded a penalty after Havertz was deemed to be fouled inside the penalty area. However, it was overturned following an on-field review.

Just before the 90th minute, Garnacho was played through by Casemiro and thought he had given United the lead. But after a lengthy VAR check, Garnacho was found to be in an offside position, and the goal was ruled out.

Eight minutes of additional time were awarded, and we made the most of them. Saka's inswinging corner found summer signing Declan Rice at the back post, who smashed home for his first Arsenal goal.

The drama didn't stop there. United were pushing for a last-gasp equaliser, but in doing so, they left minimal cover at the back. Fabio Vieira found Jesus in acres of space; he put the defender on the floor with a fake shot and finished past United keeper Onana.

This secured one of our most memorable wins at the Emirates against one of our biggest Premier League rivals.

What the managers say

Mikel Arteta:

On facing Ruben Amorim: "Well you can see his fingerprints [on the club], you know what he wants to do straight away, I think he's been very clear."

"He brings energy to the club, to the players, new ideas and that's always something that's positive but we have to focus on what we have to do."

On the key to the last three performances: "That everybody feels important and we've been in this situation almost from the start of the season and we always talk about the squad."

Ruben Amorim:

Is Arsenal the biggest challenge you've faced yet: "Yeah, it's the best team that we've faced by far."

"Everything is a test but Arsenal are… I know it's not easy for [a] Manchester United [head coach] to say, but they are in a different point of their team. They are in a different moment."

What will you want to see from your players against Arsenal: "It's important to be brave. You have to understand moments of the game. We also want to dominate some moments of the game because we know that in these matches it's hard to control all the game."

Team News

Midfield duo Thomas Partey and Mikel Merino were both ruled out for our 5-2 victory over West Ham on Saturday evening. Arteta mentioned that the club were "going to have a meeting" regarding the players' fitness.

Defender Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel were both withdrawn during the game against West Ham, and the boss stated that this meeting will determine who is fit, available, and who will start.

Manchester United will be without key players Lisandro Martinez and Kobbie Mainoo after the pair picked up their fifth bookings of the season, meaning they will serve their one-match ban against us on Wednesday.

There is a possibility of Leny Yoro being included in a matchday squad for the first time since his summer move from Lille.

Amorim confirmed that skipper Bruno Fernandes is fit to play.

Statistics and Facts

This will be our 500th competitive match at the Emirates Stadium in all competitions (335 wins, 93 draws, 71 defeats).

In our last three home games against United, we have won 3-1, 3-2 and 3-1 again. The last team to score three or more goals in more consecutive league games was us, doing so seven times in a row between 1970 and 1978.

Arteta's first-ever victory as a manager came against United in a 2-0 win in January 2020.

Of all the managers to face United at least five times in the Premier League, Arteta has the highest win rate (67%).

Man United head into Wednesday's game on a seven-match unbeaten run in all competitions.

United have won just two of their last 18 Premier League away games in the capital, with both victories coming against Fulham.

We have never won four games in a row against the Red Devils in our league history.

Saka has been involved in five goals against United (3 goals, 2 assists). Only Thierry Henry (12 – 8 goals, 4 assists) has been involved in more goals against United for us.

Match Officials

Sam Barrott will officiate our tussle with Man United on Wednesday night.

He has officiated only one of each team's fixtures so far this season – overseeing our 4-2 win versus Leicester and Manchester United's 2-1 win over Brentford.

He averages 6.12 cards per game in the Premier League but has yet to issue a red card.

Referee: Sam Barrott

Assistants: Lee Betts, Ian Hussin

Fourth Official: Rob Jones

VAR: Jarred Gillett

Assistant VAR: Adam Nunn