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Arsenal legend explains why it will be ‘easy’ for Mikel Arteta’s side to ‘destroy’ Man United

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Mikel Arteta and Ruben Amorim will go head-to-head in the Premier League for the first time on Wednesday evening. 

Arsenal are set to welcome Manchester United to the Emirates Stadium, and the Gunners will be keen to maintain their impressive recent form in this fixture.

Bukayo Saka has sent a message to Manchester United, warning the Red Devils that they will be up against an Arsenal side firing on all cylinders this week.

Mikel Arteta’s side are certainly the favourites heading into this clash, and the Spanish coach will be keen to see his players make a statement with a dominant victory.

Tottenham Hotspur FC v Arsenal FC - Premier League
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images

Paul Merson expects Arsenal to destroy Manchester United

Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson expects the Gunners to cruise to victory. 

With Martin Odegaard now back to full fitness, Saka in dazzling form, and the likes of Leandro Trossard, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli all having made valuable contributions in recent weeks, there is reason to believe that the hosts will have enough fire power to blow Manchester United away.

Speaking to Sportskeeda, Merson shared his prediction for this fixture.

He said: “I don’t see anything but an Arsenal win here, it will be comfortable and easy. I’d even go three or four nil to Arsenal in this one, they will destroy Manchester United!

“We shouldn’t get carried away by that Manchester United win against Everton. I watched them against Bodo/Glimt and they weren’t great… Considering how well Arsenal are playing now, I’d be shocked if they don’t win three or four nil at the Emirates.

“United are still working on their shape under Amorim, while Arsenal under Arteta are flying at the moment. The Arsenal players know everything about their game and you will see that on the pitch in this game… 3-0.”

Why this is a must win game for Mikel Arteta

As things stand, Liverpool hold a nine point lead ahead of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table. Having overwhelmed reigning champions Manchester City last time out, the Reds are showing no signs of slowing down either.

Position Team Played MP Won W Drawn D Lost L For GF Against GA Diff GD Points Pts
1 LiverpoolLiverpool13 11 1 1 26 8 18 34
2 ArsenalArsenal13 7 4 2 26 14 12 25

If the Gunners are to stand any chance of chasing the Merseyside outfit down, they cannot afford any more slip-ups.

Martin Keown believes Arsenal are still in the title race, but their ambitions of being crowned champions are already hanging by a thread and they have no margin for error left. If the gap between themselves and Liverpool grows to twelve points, then the title race may be as good as over.

As such, Arsenal must be ruthless against Manchester United. Anything less than three points would be a disaster.