What Arsenal really wanted to see from the Europa League clash between Manchester United and the Danish club FC Midtjylland at Old Trafford last night was an exhausting match that went to extra time and penalties. And a confidence destroying early exit against an unfancied club would have been nice as well but we cannot always get what we want.
What we did not want, though, was for United to find some form in front of goal and score five goals, as that is likely to give the players a timely boost ahead of their clash with the Gunners on Sunday, so how much should Arsenal fans worry about the effect this big win in Europe will have on our next Premier League opponents?
Only time will tell, of course, but I do not think we need to be too concerned. After all their injury situation is still desperate and it meant that they had to play just about all of the first team players available. And they had to work hard because for a long time last night the result was in the balance and they only sealed qualification in the last 15 minutes.
They also went behind to a pretty poor side that has not played for the last two months and they will find Arsenal a much tougher prospect. Yes Memphis Depay enjoyed himself and gave the Danish right back a torrid time but Hector Bellerin is a different obstacle entirely. And the same can be said of their young striker Rashford who scored a debut double.
Also, we should not underestimate the impact that losing Anthony Martial in the build up will have on United. It was a hamstring twinge and even though it is apparently a minor one I cannot see Louis van Gaal risking him just a couple of days later as Martial is the main man and they need him for the rest of the season.
United may have had a morale boosting win but they are still in big trouble and I reckon they will be there for the taking if Arsenal play anything like we can? Are you worried about Sunday’s meeting?
not worried. if we play like we did <=70 min versus barca, we'll be ok. just put welbeck at cf and dont put flam on.
Yeah right .
Play like underdogs for 70 minutes and hope to score while hoping they do not score .
Sounds more like you would expect from Stokes.
Anyone happy with the way we played against Bayern Munich or Barcelona is happy with mediocrity.
A team comes to your ground and bossed you at home .
Even a team with bendthner, Denilson, Djorou never got bossed like that .
Even when we lose , they lose playing football.
I am a realist and I see Man united winning this thing .
I hope I am wrong but when it comes to put your money where your mouth is and considering Wenger’s persistence with Giroud , My money is a United .
They will be fired up and will raise their game .
Well every thing is correct. But this Arsenal side have lack of goal scorers. We could have matched Barcelona if we would have had good finishers.
We played a horrible Chelsea team and lost. Even with 10 men we had good chances . Against Leicester, how many chance we missed.
The question is who will finish the chance that the likes of Ozil will create at Old Trafford?
I am Optimistic that we can scratch a win this time.
Our players must know that a win tomorrow means we should be favorite for the title.
Arsenal are the favourite
for the title already.
Apart from Cazorla Arsenal
will be at full strength.
If our minds are on
the job we will win.
Arsenal 5-0
Lets put focus on our strength rather than opponent’s weakness.Am sure if we turn up with confidence and concertration during the game we have the chance to beat the stronger Manure team let alone this one which we believe is a bit weak.
Our premier league tittle charge should start here and stop when we have grabbed it,hopefully in May.COYG
Typical arsenal. Getting carried away once again. With our focus and energy divided among 3 competetions I would say we are barely in the title race and the least likely to win among Leicester spurs and us.