Match Preview: Man Utd vs Arsenal

Focus shifts back to Premier League football after our dismantling of PSV in Eindhoven. We face Manchester United for the third time this season as we look to put pressure on Arne Slot's relentless Reds.

The gap at the top of the Premier League seems insurmountable, but it has been overcome before – and it can be again.

Only once in Premier League history has a 13-point deficit been overturned – and it was Arsène Wenger's Arsenal in the iconic 1997-1998 season, when we claimed our first Premier League title.

The challenge is colossal, but our very own history reminds us that no gap is too big to overcome.

Mediocrity in Manchester

Ruben Amorim began his tenure at Manchester United in November 2024, replacing Erik ten Hag. It was highly anticipated that, although it would take some time, significant improvements would be seen both on and off the pitch. However, this has not been the case.

Manchester United currently sit in the bottom seven of the Premier League, with fans struggling to see any noticeable improvements since the end of Erik ten Hag's reign. United have won just 18 points out of a possible 48 since Amorim's takeover.

In contrast, David Moyes' Everton have earned just three points fewer in half the games, highlighting that an upturn in form can happen quickly and suggesting there may be deeper issues at play at Manchester United Football Club.

It came as no surprise when United fell to an FA Cup exit at home to Fulham, leaving their only chance of silverware in the Europa League, where they will need to win at Old Trafford after drawing 1-1 against Real Sociedad.

The thoughts of both managers ahead of Sunday's encounter

Mikel Arteta:

On utilising the freedom shown against PSV as a springboard for Sunday: "Yeah, we've been really good in certain games but the result didn't reflect that. Things [vs PSV] were coming in the right moment, at the right time and in the right way – and that was very helpful."

On there being a perception that there wasn't a way through for young players at Arsenal until Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly: "I don't know what the perception was outside, but internally, the reality is very different because those players are always with us, and I can guarantee you if there is a player who can help and impact the first team, they will be with us."

Ruben Amorim:

On a protest being planned ahead of Sunday: "It's a really tough moment for everyone in the club at the moment. The only thing we can do is perform well and win. People have the right to protest, everybody has a voice – but my job is to improve the team."

On having to survive on Sunday after playing on Thursday: "We have to focus on everything and at the same time. Europa League is so much harder, in my opinion, than the Champions League."

On Mikel Arteta's start at Arsenal: "I will not have the time that Arteta had, I feel that, it's a different club. We just need to survive on Sunday. The way that Arteta dealt with what he had at Arsenal is an inspiration to everybody."

Stats and Facts

If we beat Manchester United on Sunday, we would become the first team in Premier League history to win five times in a row against them.

Mikel Arteta will take charge of his 200th Premier League game as Arsenal boss on Sunday, aiming for his 119th win – a feat only surpassed by Sir Alex Ferguson, Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp and Jose Mourinho.

We have won seven of our 10 Premier League meetings against Man United since Arteta's arrival (D1 L2), with his first ever victory coming against them in January 2020.

We have not won consecutive away league games against United since February 1979.

United could claim their 100th win against Arsenal in all competitions.

Match Officials

Anthony Taylor will take charge of our meeting with Manchester United on Sunday.

The Cheshire-born referee has overseen three of our Premier League fixtures this season: Our 2-2 draw with Liverpool, our 5-2 win away at West Ham and our 1-1 draw in Brighton.

He has shown two red cards and awarded nine penalty kicks this season.

Referee: Anthony Taylor

Assistants: Gary Beswick, Adam Nunn

Fourth Official: Darren Bond

VAR: Paul Tierney

Assistant VAR: Tim Wood