Rivalries renewed

By Chris,
December 12 2010

Manchester United will be aiming to go top of the Premier League on Monday evening as they host Arsenal at Old Trafford. The Red Devils currently sit a single point behind the Gunners; with the North London club in a rich vein of form having won their last four matches.

United are enjoying headline-grabbing mind games with old foes Arsenal once again. 
Arsene Wenger's men have not won major honours since 2005, when they scooped a league and F.A Cup double.

However, after returning the Premier League summit in recent weeks, the once-regular sniping between the two clubs has returned ahead of this top-of-the-table massive clash.

French left-back Patrice Evra got the ball rolling by mocking Arsenal's lack of silverware in recent years. He claimed that United were "more concerned with Chelsea's results than Arsenal's" and added that the Red Devils are a "more efficient" outfit. He also branded the North London club as a "training centre".

Samri Nasra bit back - telling the press that "Manchester United is not the same team as before", following the high-profile departures of Carlos Tevez to Manchester City and Cristiano Ronaldo to Manchester United.
 
Defender Bacary Sagna dismissed Evra's comments, adding: "It shows a lack of respect. Patrice loves to wind people up and raise the temperature. That is his way of doing things, but it does not affect me in any way."
The war-of-words adds momentum ahead of Monday's vital game. 

Victory for Arsenal would confirm to many their ability to challenge for the title this season, whilst United will be looking to build on their excellent top-flight form with a home win that would see them return to the division's summit.

United have been boosted by the news that Rio Ferdinand and Paul Scholes have passed fitness tests to be involved in the game. Wes Brown and Jonny Evans have also declared themselves available despite struggling with a virus last week.

Arsene Wenger has a host of problems - with playmaker Cesc Fabregas reportedly a major doubt, whilst Johan Djourou and Gael Clichy could miss out.

Psychologically, United may have the edge. Arsenal have not beaten the Reds in five attempts and have suffered seven defeats in their last nine visits to the Theatre of Dreams. 

However, after losing a 29-match unbeaten run with a 4-0 defeat at West Ham in the League Cup, and following a nervy Champions League draw with Valencia, Arsenal will be gunning for maximum points.
What's your prediction? Join in the debate on the messageboard. 

Arsenal travel to Old Trafford on Monday evening

Discussion started by manutdweb.com , 12/12/2010 16:11

manutdweb.com
12/12/2010 16:11

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jrgunner7
12/12/2010 18:31

We are going to surprise them tomorrow they think we have a soft under belly .We have toughened up .They are running scared cant wait for tomorrow bring it on !

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Rogero
12/12/2010 22:41

We shall see...

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ManUnited4Life
12/12/2010 22:43

I must say I am @#$%& scared about tomorrow. I hope we can win, but I can easily see a loss happening unfortunately.

As an aside, what the hell has happened with Chelsea?

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Rogero
13/12/2010 07:43

Chelsea are low on confidence and others have sussed them out!

Which is nmarvellous.

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ManUnited4Life
13/12/2010 21:54

Business as usual. A 1-0 win.

2 points on top with a game in hand. I couldn't be happier with our current position.

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Briansmurph
13/12/2010 22:10

Rafael's best game in a United jersey?

Rooney looking proper lively.

Carrick looking like he should retire?

Fantastic and massively important result, with all the world falling apart in recession, looks like Christmas may not be so bad after all!

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Grover
13/12/2010 23:59

The entire backline was immense

Our midfield is continuing to look sloppy and lack lusture. Rooney (barring the pen) looked good on his own up front

Not the best performance but more than happy with the result

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