When Arsenal welcome Manchester United to the Emirates on Sunday, they’ll be facing a different side to the one they overcame on matchday one.
It seems like an eternity ago that the Gunners walked away from Old Trafford with a 1-0 win to kick off the 2025/26 Premier League season.
22 matches down the line, it looks as though this really could be the year Arsenal end their wait for a title, but nothing is decided yet, and Man United will want to make that so clear to Mikel Arteta.
Changes have happened, as Michael Carrick, who has beaten Arteta before, is at the helm on a temporary basis, and already, United look revitalised.
What changes would you make to our combined XI?
Man United have a new answer to Arsenal’s set-pieces
On matchday one, Arsenal left a lot to be desired, and Arteta was informed of that post-match.
Bruno Fernandes wasn’t impressed with Arsenal’s lack of chance creation, with the game won in a way that the Gunners know best: set-play.
Riccardo Calafiori scored past Altay Bayindir with ease on the day, but things might not come so easily this time, and Man United expert Dale O’Donnell of United In Focus knows why.
Arsenal Insider asked O’Donnell how United begin to think about limiting Nicolas Jover’s tactics on Sunday, to which he believes goalkeeper Senne Lammens could make all the difference.
“It will be a significant boost for United to have a goalkeeper who appears more commanding during corners and crosses,” O’Donnell said, reminiscing on the opening day.
“Altay Bayindir, who started against Arsenal earlier this season, was a disaster. While Senne Lammens is young and lacks experience at this level, the Belgian shot-stopper has proven to be a solid signing thus far. Sunday will be another huge test for him.”
If you could send Nicolas Jover a message, what would you say?
We are a joke 🤯
Man United have conceded nine set-pieces this season in the Premier League, but only four of those goals were conceded by Lammens, whose introduction has made a clear difference.
For Arsenal, however, the change between the sticks won’t cross Jover’s mind, as no matter the opposition, the Gunners are guaranteed to test even the most authoritative goalkeeper from set-play.
Arsenal can hurt Man United in other ways
Arsenal know Jover is their secret weapon, but set-play isn’t the only way Arteta’s side has exploited the opposition this season.
O’Donnell is aware of the threat Arsenal have in their ranks, nominating three players whom, as a supporter and journalist, he’s most wary of.
The list started with Declan Rice, whom he wishes United had signed back in 2023.
“Declan Rice stands out as the one that got away for Manchester United. He’s the complete midfielder: he controls the game, shields the back four, and carries a real threat going forward.
“Now established as Arsenal’s best player, it’s hard not to wonder how different things might have been had Ole Gunnar Solskjaer secured his signature from West Ham.”
After the midfielder came attacking duo Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze.
“Beyond Rice, Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze are the other two players I hold in particular regard,” he concluded.
Stripping the fixture back to basics, it’s guaranteed to be a blockbuster on matchday 23, as when Arsenal and Man United clash, the Premier League stops and takes notice.
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