1. Arsenal’s Excellent defense
Even though Arsenal’s defense conceded 5 goals against Liverpool in their last goal, they had been the most frugal in the Premier League up to that point, conceding only 21 in 24 Premier League outings. Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker have been outstanding this season, apart from the devastating display at Anfield, they will undoubtedly sort out their mistakes and look to bounce straight back.
Arsenal have had a really good understanding among their defenders, which has enabled them to keep 12 clean sheets so far this season. Their goalkeeper has also been in good form, and has managed to make good saves even when he has not been involved for large spells. That will come in handy in case United do manage to lay siege to the Arsenal defense.
2. United’s defensive woes
Manchester United have been suffering from defensive problems this season and as a result, they have been one of the most defensively active sides in the Premier League in terms of defensive actions undertaken by their players. In fact they are second in the league with 1472 defensive actions in the 25 games that they have played.
Not having had a stable back four has not helped their cause any bit. Nemanja Vidic and Phil Jones have been in and out of the side due to injuries, and they have had no less than 7 different central defensive partnerships this season. That has contributed to a highly successful defending that has characterized United’s defense this season. If Arsenal are able to have sustained periods of pressure, United’s defense I likely to crumble as evidenced by the injury time equalizer by Fulham.
3. Arsenal’s midfield superiority
Arsenal have one of the best midfield’s in the Premier League containing the likes of Mesut Ozil, Santi Cazorla, Jack Wilshere, and it is highly unlikely that they would put in two deplorable performances back to back. Even though they are missing the grit of Mathieu Flamini in the centre of the park, they have enough quality in the squad to cope with his absence.
United lack pace in the middle of the park, and Arsenal’s 3-man central midfield has the perfect chance to dominate the game and pass United out of the game. Juan Mata can be a dangerous customer, but if United fail to keep the ball, Arsenal will be safe from his ball playing abilities. However, they will have to ensure that they do not give away cheap possession like they did in the first half against Liverpool.
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