Arsenal fans will hardly need reminding that our recent history against Manchester United is far from glorious. But just in case, our Arsenal loving friends over at the Daily Mail have kindly written an article reminding us that the Gunners have won just once against the old rivals from Old Trafford in the last 11 meetings.
But that should not really matter on Saturday, because the tide has turned for both clubs. What the report forgets to mention is that this dreadful run of results for Arsenal has come in the years when our financial shackles were really starting to chafe, while United were the most successful Premier League club.
Even that one win in 2011, when Aaron Ramsey scored the only goal, did not stop United lifting the Premier League crown. But they have gone backwards since then, while the Gunners have got better and have finally been able to spend some money on big name players rather than selling them to our rivals. And you can see how things are changing in those results, because since the infamous 8-2 drubbing after we sold Nasri and Fabregas in the summer, United’s three wins have been by a single goal and the other two were draws.
Last season was really frustrating for us as United’s troubled left them an easy target while Arsenal were much better, but we failed to capitalise. A lucky van Persie goal off his shoulder won it at Old Trafford and we were nervous at the Emirates after a bad run of results. But there should be no nerves or fear factor on Saturday, just the determination to beat our vulnerable rivals.
Instead of getting better this year, United are even worse. So they are there for the taking again and this time, nothing will get in our way. Please let nothing get in our way….