Jay Jay Denis
"They 8-2 much, Arsenal fans", was the comment thrown around, with some even saying, "I'd 8-2 be an Arsenal fan right now." Horrendous, that night in 2011, so frightening that even some fans contemplated supporting a different club after that game.
Mind you, the strong ones stay. Majority of that 11 who started, of which only 5 remain. After that defeat, Arsenal were 17th, and there was no mention of the top 4, let alone title.
Today, they go into the game, 8 points clear of their hosts, and there is an air of a new-found belief not only in the squad, but amongst the fans as well. Before I go further, any talk of the title has got to wait till the turn of the year, at least.
Wenger's men have a better defense this time around, with stalwarts in Mertesacker, ever like a gazelle in the way he floats slowly but with quick thinking, it's all upstairs for Per. His colleague Koscielny meanwhile, complements him fabulously, possessing the speed and panache to be confident in a 20-yard foot race. Mikel Arteta needs no mentioning, the Basque midfielder was absolutely immense in the last 2 games, especially at the Emirates against SAS.
But its Man Utd right? They almost always find a way in big games, as Sir Alex is tactically so proficient in the setup of his troops.
Oh sorry, it's David Moyes. Okay Moyes. They've played Chelsea, Liverpool, City and have only one point to show for. But that all seems quite some time ago. Wayne Rooney must be licking his lips at the sight of Wenger's men, as he has scored 10 goals against the North London outfit, more than any club in the Premier League.
With Van Persie ahead of him, Man Utd can never be ruled out, not at the Theatre of Dreams. Atmosphere around Old Trafford will be buzzing, the fans surely looking at this game as a way to jumpstart their dwindinh season.
Ramsey, Arteta and Rosicky will be key, with Ozil and Cazorla on both wings. Personally, it'd be much more effective if Ozil was played centrally tonight, as he'd have the guile and zip to thread balls in between United's centre halves. Shunning Ramsey out to the right however might not be the best of ideas as he's been immense in the centre of the park this season.
It all depends on which Arsenal turns up, ad they've never been so confident heading to Old Trafford before, not even with the Invicibles.
That could be the undoing for Arsenal. Wayne Rooney and Man Utd are no pushovers, Ashley Young could convince referree Michael Oliver to award a spot kick. Anything could happen.
There are too many if's and buts in this game for a clear Arsenal victory. I think the Devils might nick this one, an early goal, which would force the Gunners to attack, leaving holes in behind for Valencia and Janujaz to exploit later. Final score, 2-0
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