What: English Premier League
Who: Arsenal (3rd; 64 points) vs Manchester United (1st; 73 points)
When: Sunday 1st May, 2011, at 14:05 UK time
Where: Emirates Stadium, London, England
A Disappointing Year
With the number of Premier League match days less than the fingers of a single hand, Arsenal might just have kissed the title goodbye – yet again – after their recent string of bad performances. However, the Gunners will have the chance to patch things up with their fans, starting with a win against leaders Manchester United.
Another day, and another season to forget for Arsene Wenger and his young side. The London club have failed to win the league title that they lifted way back in 2004, and after years of experimentation and player grooming, it appears as if some sections of the fans have had enough of the Frenchman’s “kids”, particularly after their recent 2-1 loss against Bolton. Speaking after the game, Wenger conceded that this was his team’s most disappointing season since 2005: “It is the most frustrating season since 2005 because if you look at all the numbers, it is the closest we have been. Since we lost in the Carling Cup, everything has turned a little bit against us. When we were on all fronts, this team had fought very well and it has a fantastic attitude. I just feel that after the Carling Cup we continued to be absolutely spot on with our attitude but we missed a little bit of that subconscious belief that makes you win.”
Wounded Animal
Contrary to Arsenal, their weekend foes will face the game in high spirits, having lost just one of their last eleven encounters against the Gunners. With one hand firmly tightened on the Premier League trophy and a foot in the Champions League final at Wembley, the Red Devils are having one of their finest moments of late.
Had it not been for the heroics of Manuel Neuer, then the scoreline of Manchester United’s win over Schalke last week would have been much different. The German number 1 pulled off a series of amazing saves to try and reduce the damage, damage that could have been greater had another goalkeeper been standing between the posts. Now against Arsenal, the 1999 Champions League winners will have a chance to take another effective step towards the league title they lost to Chelsea last season. However, that could potentially be difficult, according to left back Patrice Evra: “"You have to fear the wounded animal. It is all or nothing for Arsenal so that is a danger. They will want to show they can still win the title. Our record at the Emirates will hurt them and they will want to do something about it."
Recent form
Arsenal:
Arsenal 1-1 Liverpool (17/04; Premier League)
Tottenham Hotspur 3-3 Arsenal (20/04; Premier League)
Bolton Wanderers 2-1 Arsenal (24/04; Premier League)
Manchester United:
Newcastle United 0-0 Manchester United (19/04; Premier League)
Manchester United 1-0 Everton (23/04; Premier League)
Schalke 0-2 Manchester United (26/04; Champions League)
Key absences
Arsenal: Lukas Fabianski; Tomas Rosicky (doubt); Abou Diaby; Thomas Vermaelen
Manchester United: Paul Scholes (suspended); Owen Hargreaves; Darren Fletcher (doubt)
Players to watch
Arsenal – Robin van Persie: The Dutchman will have to produce one of the best performances of his career in order for Arsenal to pull off a shocker against their guests. Having had his share of chronic niggling injuries, Van Persie needs to make up for lost time, starting with a win against United.
Manchester United – Wayne Rooney: It seems as if Rooney’s past quarrel with the United fans is a thing of the past. The striker has put his exit talk firmly to rest, and has reintegrated into the side in fine fashion, particularly contributing well to their continental ambitions. Should his team want to go all the way, much is expected from him.
Match Prediction
Given the current circumstances, it will be hard for Arsenal to clinch all three points, even at their own ground. Manchester United have been in good form lately, and will want to consolidate this by taking a further step towards their nineteenth league title. Expect Ferguson’s team to walk away with a precious 2-1 win.
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