Arsenal came to Old Trafford at the start of March in 1998, won by a goal to nil from the near unplayable Marc Overmars, went on a run of 8 consecutive victories and won the title in Arsene’s first full season in charge and denied Alex Ferguson his third successive league title. Fergie responded in a way only he could. Went on to become the only English side to ever win a treble and in doing so, knocked Arsenal off the perch, beating them to the league title on the final day through an Andy Cole winner against their North London rivals: Spurs. Wenger’s men went 49 unbeaten, went an entire season invincible and was again halted by Sir Alex and a defiant Old Trafford crowd.
Years rolled on, Arsenal never won the league after 2004, United never won it after 2013, Fergie retired, Wenger left and the Prem’s most iconic rivalry slowly lost it’s vigour. These two clubs in today’s day and age are effectively fighting for top four. Arsenal haven’t been in the Champion’s League since 2016 and although United are in it and have started brilliantly, no one expects them to go all the way. The league table has Arsenal in 11th and United in 15th with a game in hand. United have been absolutely horrible at Old Trafford shipping 9 against Spurs and Palace. Arsenal haven’t won away at Old Trafford in 14 years. The importance of this game is absolutely immense. Not only about bragging rights, not only about the three points to climb up the ladder but mostly about kick starting the season for both these teams. United have GOT to build on their midweek momentum and Arsenal seem to be finding results against the bigger teams away from home. Even though I think this has a draw written all over it, I’d want Ole to take the game to Arsenal. Tuanzebe is a must start to counter the ball over the top for Aubameyang and the diamond’s the the way to go.
From the Fergusons, the Wengers, the Keowns, the Van Nistelrooys, the Roy Keanes, the Patrick Vieras, Van Gaal’s dive, Pizzagate, this fixture has never dissapointed.
It matters all most too much when these familiar foes go toe to toe.
COME ON UNITED!
Into Added Time 