Manchester United vs Arsenal Match Thread 9/3/15 k/o 19.45 BBC.

keano_afc

2ndcoming wrote: »

The facts of it are clear to everyone, United are for the most part sh1te and Arsenal for the most part will roll over against them regardless of that. And that's roll over in the puppy dog sense rather than the steamroller sense unfortunately.

If they turn up like they did against City a few weeks ago they should have every chance but I won't be holding my breath.

Spot on. The biggest obstacle to Arsenal winning tonight is Arsenal. They are better than this United team in every department, bar goalkeeper. And of course mentally. United raise their game against Arsenal, Arsenal bottle it against United. Going to be interesting but my heart tells me we'll be disappointed again.

2-0 Salford.

Maximus Alexander

Any team news?

GavRedKing

keano_afc wrote: »

Spot on. The biggest obstacle to Arsenal winning tonight is Arsenal. They are better than this United team in every department, bar goalkeeper. And of course mentally. United raise their game against Arsenal, Arsenal bottle it against United. Going to be interesting but my heart tells me we'll be disappointed again.

2-0 Salford.

And CF, Rooney > Girourd, IMO.

On form though, Arsenals XI looks better and more settled than Utds and I think Arsenal will win tonight.

keano_afc

GavRedKing wrote: »

And CF, Rooney > Girourd, IMO.

On form though, Arsenals XI looks better and more settled than Utds and I think Arsenal will win tonight.

I wasnt making a like for like player comparison though. Arsenal have a better forward unit than United, far more goal potential.

irishfeen

Absolutely critical match this season - Arsenal beat United at OT and they are flying, United beat Arsenal and the next few PL games seem a bit more winnable.. momentum is everything now.

2-1 United for me, Always like playing Arsenal and I think the last 2 games have shown United slowly starting to improve.

GavRedKing

keano_afc wrote: »

I wasnt making a like for like player comparison though. Arsenal have a better forward unit than United, far more goal potential.

CF? or CF and support players?

If its just CF's Utd trump pretty much the entire league, even if they havent been good this year.

If youre including Sanchez, Ozil, Caorla, Walcott, Ox, then yes, Arsenal trump Utd and nearly every one else in the league.

Should be a good game regardless tonight.

bad2dabone

Consider that United beat arsenal at the emirates earlier in the season with Blackett and McNair in defence,
Going 1 up in the 86th minute despite not having had a shot on goal.

I see no reason for optimism about tonight for us Gooners.

UnitedIrishman

Who's back in CM for Arsenal tonight?

Can only hope that Wenger goes with the top heavy formation he did against Monaco because we should dominate midfield in that case.

Maximus Alexander

bad2dabone wrote: »

Consider that United beat arsenal at the emirates earlier in the season with Blackett and McNair in defence,
Going 1 up in the 86th minute despite not having had a shot on goal.

I see no reason for optimism about tonight for us Gooners.

That might as well be a million years ago though. Arsenal are looking better lately and United have stood still, at best. If it wasn't for history, I would be expecting Arsenal to edge it.

However, I'm quietly confident.

irishfeen

irishfeen wrote: »

Absolutely critical match this season - Arsenal beat United at OT and they are flying, United beat Arsenal and the next few PL games seem a bit more winnable.. momentum is everything now.

2-1 United for me, Always like playing Arsenal and I think the last 2 games have shown United slowly starting to improve.

Michael Carrick coming back at the right time.
Also, sticking with wingers seems to have improved the team.
Di Maria showed improvement when he wasn't allowed to roam as much.

AdamD

bad2dabone wrote: »

Consider that United beat arsenal at the emirates earlier in the season with Blackett and McNair in defence,
Going 1 up in the 86th minute despite not having had a shot on goal.

I see no reason for optimism about tonight for us Gooners.

Lets not forget that they won that game due to one of the flukiest goals you'll ever see which came against the run of play. As somebody said earlier, the biggest obstacle for Arsenal to overcome tonight is themselves.

Cantona's Collars

United will have 3 shots on target,score twice & win 2-1.

RasTa

AdamD wrote: »

As somebody said earlier, the biggest obstacle for Arsenal to overcome tonight is themselves.

What does this nonsense even mean?

Spanish Johnny

UnitedIrishman wrote: »

Who's back in CM for Arsenal tonight?

Can only hope that Wenger goes with the top heavy formation he did against Monaco because we should dominate midfield in that case.

Hoping it's Ramsey and Cazorla in front of Coquelin. Ozil left and Alexis right. Sit back and soak it up.

Giggsy11

RasTa wrote: »

What does this nonsense even mean?

That means absolutely nothing. Just some nonsense posted to somehow excuse Arsenal loses.

Barr

Something to look forward to on a Monday night , I can see Utd nicking a win.

Giggsy11

[excuse mode] If United play to their strengths and all players are on form then they will give proper hiding to Arsenal, biggest obstacle for ManUtd is themselves and their mentality to not turn up and play well at all in last few years. [/excuse mode]

WoollyRedHat

RasTa wrote: »

What does this nonsense even mean?

Says the guy who was talking ****e back on page one. At first somehow we're as delusional as Liverpool fans without any statement to back that up and then when someone posts about tonight showing that fans of Arsenal aren't getting ahead ofthemselves and thinking we'll win comfortably it's nonsense?

He's clearly talking about the mental stranglehold that Manchester United have over Arsenal and which has been highlighted several times in the media.

What kind of defence will Man United be lining out, with Evans out?

Giggsy11

WoollyRedHat wrote: »

Says the guy who was talking ****e back on page one. At first somehow we're as delusional as Liverpool fans without any statement to back that up and then when someone posts about tonight showing that fans of Arsenal aren't getting ahead ofthemselves and thinking we'll win comfortably it's nonsense?

He's clearly talking about the mental stranglehold that Manchester United have over Arsenal and which has been highlighted several times in the media.

What kind of defence will Man United be lining out, with Evans out?

Mental block, incapable of playing well from last few years even when we have players to do so. Just like Arsenal we can find numerous excuses.

RasTa

WoollyRedHat wrote: »

Says the guy who was talking ****e back on page one. At first somehow we're as delusional as Liverpool fans without any statement to back that up and then when someone posts about tonight showing that fans of Arsenal aren't getting ahead ofthemselves and thinking we'll win comfortably it's nonsense?

He's clearly talking about the mental stranglehold that Manchester United have over Arsenal and which has been highlighted several times in the media.

What kind of defence will Man United be lining out, with Evans out?

So when Monaco beat yis the other week was that Arsenal losing to themselves? I'm not stupid enough to come up with statements or excuses that has being mentioned in here so far or whatever Quazzie was waffling about.

I guess if the media says it then you might as well believe it.

WoollyRedHat

Giggsy11 wrote: »

Mental block, incapable of playing well from last few years even when we have players to do so. Just like Arsenal we can find numerous excuses.

It's simply highlighting the facts. The fact of the matter is we have an awful recrod against yous and haven't won in Trafford in 9 years. If it wasn't one of us bringing it up when factoring in tonight then one of yous would defintely bring it up and accuse us of getting ahead of ourselves. Not that I think that it should be used an excuse for failings.

RasTa wrote: »

So when Monaco beat yis the other week was that Arsenal losing to themselves? I'm not stupid enough to come up with statements or excuses that has being mentioned in here so far or whatever Quazzie was waffling about.

I guess if the media says it then you might as well believe it.

No, it was similiar ****, going in as favourites and capitulating when we went a goal down, even though we had the better team and then employing suicide tactics which allowed Moanco to score the third which was unforgivable.

Giggsy11

WoollyRedHat wrote: »

It's simply highlighting the facts. The fact of the matter is we have an awful recrod against yous and haven't won in Trafford in 9 years. If it wasn't one of us bringing it up when factoring in tonight then one of yous would defintely bring it up and accuse us of getting ahead of ourselves. Not that I think that it should be used an excuse for failings.

That's not the point, Arsenal fans saying only obstacle for Arsenal is themselves as if ManUtd doesn't matter.

Cantona's Collars

Giggsy11 wrote: »

That's not the point, Arsenal fans saying only obstacle for Arsenal is themselves as if ManUtd doesn't matter.

Arsenal at Old Trafford be like this:

KaiserGunner

Tbh this match is probably gonna have **** all bragging rights for the winners. As ya just know the losers are gonna just say that it's only the FA cup and that they can concentrate on finishing top 3/4. I don't agree with that, but ya know that's gonna be the excuse.

Another point is the starting lineups, which can have a big bearing on the result. I wouldn't be surprised if both sides rest a couple of players, can see Walcott and Chambers maybe getting a run out for the Arsenal. Am quietly confident that Arsenal can get a result, but anytime I feel that way against Man Utd it ends up a narrow loss. Hoping to spank Man Utd but wouldn't be surprised with a loss.

Mickeroo

Giggsy11 wrote: »

That's not the point, Arsenal fans saying only obstacle for Arsenal is themselves as if ManUtd doesn't matter.

It just means they're saying they think Arsenal are the better team but that doesn't mean they will win, when non-Arsenal fans make the same point they refer to the team as "bottlers". If we were playing Stoke in the Brittannia many would say the same thing considering we never win there either, and in that case at least we're clearly the better team on paper(rarely on the day). I think it would be pretty naive of any Arsenal fan to go into an away fixture at either Old Trafford or the Brittannia expecting a win considering our record in both places, and you can be damn sure anyone who was confident of a win would be called up on being delusional because Arsenal are bottlers, but apparently if an Arsenal fan acknowledges we're bottlers it's not a valid criticism just making excuses.

And before anyone get's butthurt about me lumping United in with Stoke, it's not a reflection on either club just an acknowledgement of Arsenal's record against both away. I don't think there's much difference in quality between Arsenal or United and both teams are underperforming in the league when you look at their squads.

AdamD

RasTa wrote: »

What does this nonsense even mean?

If Arsenal show up they'll win. But theyre a bunch of bottlers so probably won't. Fairly obvious I would have thought.

Giggsy11

Mickeroo wrote: »

It just means they're saying they think Arsenal are the better team but that doesn't mean they will win, when non-Arsenal fans make the same point they refer to the team as "bottlers". If we were playing Stoke in the Brittannia many would say the same thing considering we never win there either, and in that case at least we're clearly the better team on paper(rarely on the day). I think it would be pretty naive of any Arsenal fan to go into an away fixture at either Old Trafford or the Brittannia expecting a win considering our record in both places, and you can be damn sure anyone who was confident of a win would be called up on being delusional because Arsenal are bottlers, but apparently if an Arsenal fan acknowledges we're bottlers it's not a valid criticism just making excuses.

And before anyone get's butthurt about me lumping United in with Stoke, it's not a reflection on either club just an acknowledgement of Arsenal's record against both away. I don't think there's much difference in quality between Arsenal or United and both teams are underperforming in the league when you look at their squads.

I would have agreed if the game was at Emirates or somehow in the Neutral venue. This match is at OT, so many saying if Arsenal can turn up they will win easily are really underestimating ManUtd.

Rayne Wooney

Arsenal fans covering their arses should they lose

Harry Palmr

It'll be hoofball won't it? Giroud and Fellaini as the target men.

eagle eye

AdamD wrote: »

If Arsenal show up they'll win. But theyre a bunch of bottlers so probably won't. Fairly obvious I would have thought.

You do know they won the FA Cup last year?

For me Arsenal are the better side at the minute and I expect them to win this game. United are dreadful to watch and even though they have been getting results of late they just don't look good enough to challenge an Arsenal team with a lot of attacking talent.

I just think that United's defense is not good enough to handle them.

AdamD

eagle eye wrote: »

You do know they won the FA Cup last year?

For me Arsenal are the better side at the minute and I expect them to win this game. United are dreadful to watch and even though they have been getting results of late they just don't look good enough to challenge an Arsenal team with a lot of attacking talent.

I just think that United's defense is not good enough to handle them.

Which they nearly ****ed up by not turning up in the opening few minutes. This Arsenal team constantly concede the opening goal in big games which leaves the opposition the chance to sit and hit them on the break. Against Hull they recovered but against United they won't (and didn't earlier in the season).

The Moldy Gowl

This 'turning up' excuse and mental block for utd is such a load of bolloxology.

Turning up is the worst. Where do you expect them to go? I know in being literal but they don't just all sit down on the pitch or start taking selfies

adox

Wont Utd get a walkover if Arsenal dont turn up?
I hope they dont turn up.

Cookiemunster

eagle eye wrote: »

You do know they won the FA Cup last year?

For me Arsenal are the better side at the minute and I expect them to win this game. United are dreadful to watch and even though they have been getting results of late they just don't look good enough to challenge an Arsenal team with a lot of attacking talent.

I just think that United's defense is not good enough to handle them.

Utd are poor on the road, but only Chelsea are better at home. Plus Utds awful defense has conceded less goals than Arsenal and is second again to Chelsea in the league.
Utd may be dreadful to watch but are very effective at Old Trafford.

KaiserGunner

adox wrote: »

Wont Utd get a walkover if Arsenal dont turn up?
I hope they dont turn up.

Think it's a 3 nil win if they don't show up.

The Moldy Gowl

adox wrote: »

Wont Utd get a walkover if Arsenal dont turn up?
I hope they dont turn up.

No. It would be blocked out as adults are stupid like that.

Maximus Alexander

Imagine if they literally didn't turn up. That'd be gas.

eagle eye

Cookiemunster wrote: »

Utd are poor on the road, but only Chelsea are better at home. Plus Utds awful defense has conceded less goals than Arsenal and is second again to Chelsea in the league.
Utd may be dreadful to watch but are very effective at Old Trafford.

Fair enough but when you look at their form since Christmas they have only played a couple of top ten sides and have lost at home to both Swansea and Southampton and drew away with Stoke, West Ham and Spurs. They haven't beaten a top ten side since Christmas and we are now in March. The teams they have beaten you would expect them to beat, Burnley, Leicester, Sunderland, QPR and they had a decent win last week against Newcastle away. Overall though they have struggled to look good since Christmas and I'm not convinced that defense will hold up against a team like Arsenal. I'm not even including their FA Cup games there and they haven't looked great on occasion against poorer sides in the cup.

Rayne Wooney

Will paddy power pay out on a 3-0 win if Arsenal don't turn up?

wandatowell

Harry Palmr wrote: »

It'll be hoofball won't it? Giroud and Fellaini as the target men.

You might be right with Fellaini but Giroud prefers the ball to his feet.

Cookiemunster

eagle eye wrote: »

Fair enough but when you look at their form since Christmas they have only played a couple of top ten sides and have lost at home to both Swansea and Southampton and drew away with Stoke, West Ham and Spurs. They haven't beaten a top ten side since Christmas and we are now in March. The teams they have beaten you would expect them to beat, Burnley, Leicester, Sunderland, QPR and they had a decent win last week against Newcastle away. Overall though they have struggled to look good since Christmas and I'm not convinced that defense will hold up against a team like Arsenal. I'm not even including their FA Cup games there and they haven't looked great on occasion against poorer sides in the cup.

The recent loss to Swansea was in Wales. There hasn't been any drop off since Christmas, they've struggled to look good all season. Even during the wins at Arsenal and Swansea and at home to Liverpool they were awful. The simple fact though is that at Old Trafford, Utd generally win.
That's not to say they will win tonight, but the idea that if Arsenal turn up all guns blazing they'll roll Utd over simply doesn't live up to reality.

wandatowell

Giggsy11 wrote: »

Mental block, incapable of playing well from last few years even when we have players to do so. Just like Arsenal we can find numerous excuses.

I would have thought that Sir Alex leaving David Moyes/LVG with a comparably weaker team than previous years would be ye're prime excuse tbh nothing to do with mental block you are talking about.

Maximus Alexander

wandatowell wrote: »

I would have thought that Sir Alex leaving David Moyes/LVG with a comparably weaker team than previous years would be ye're prime excuse tbh nothing to do with mental block you are talking about.

That would be part of the reason rather than an excuse (such as a 'mental block'). Don't worry, lots of people have difficulty with the subtle difference between these two words.

Alfred Borden

Expecting another tactical masterclass from Louis with Fellaini upfront.

greendom

It's very poor show by the BBC to force this game to be played on a Monday evening. No consideration of the travel plans of the thousands that have to make their way there and back. I really hope the Arsenal support outsings that of United. With the increased allowance given to away fans in the cup it is a real possibility. If they really get behind the team it could be a decisive factor that contributes to an away win.

It's been a pretty poor 6th round so far with Villa as top (and only scorers) so hopefully this game will save the round.

Soups123

I'm staying well away from this match thread its a car crash, that is of course unless Arsenal win then I'll gladly contribute to that, but not until I'm sure the win is completely wrapped up

wandatowell

Maximus Alexander wrote: »

That would be part of the reason rather than an excuse (such as a 'mental block'). Don't worry, lots of people have difficulty with the subtle difference between these two words.

Care to expand on the other part of the reason for the Utd team being the way it is? You'll have to explain it very slowly as us Arsenal fans as we aren't obsessed about ye as others are.

I'm not worried Though I do appreciate the links to the explanations.

ronjo

Gowlasauras Rex wrote: »

This 'turning up' excuse and mental block for utd is such a load of bolloxology.

Turning up is the worst. Where do you expect them to go? I know in being literal but they don't just all sit down on the pitch or start taking selfies

Rayne Wooney wrote: »

Arsenal fans covering their arses should they lose

Giggsy11 wrote: »

That's not the point, Arsenal fans saying only obstacle for Arsenal is themselves as if ManUtd doesn't matter.

You do realise that it isnt a badge of honour for Arsenal fans?
Its been thrown at us by almost every other fan for years but when and Arsenal fan says it then its just an excuse

secman

Truth is its a very difficult match to call, United generally not playing to the best of their ability but getting results. Arsenal being Arsenal, they can be mediocre or brilliant.

Hopefully home form will be enough to get us through.

byrneg28

If Arsenal play 4-1-4-1 . With Coquein screening . 2-0 Arsenal


If Arsenal play 4-2-3-1 keep ball. 3-1 United.