Arsenal vs Man United: Premier League - LIVE!
Arsenal will look to put an end to Ruben Amorim's undefeated streak as the new manager of Manchester United in a crucial Premier League matchup at the Emirates Stadium this evening. Since stepping into the role, Amorim has achieved two victories and one draw in his first three games, but this challenge stands out as his toughest yet.
The Gunners have secured three consecutive victories, benefiting greatly from Martin Odegaard’s return to health. However, Mikel Arteta’s team is still nine points behind Liverpool and realizes they are nearing a critical moment where further losses could make it difficult for them to compete for the championship. Both Gabriel and Riccardo Calafiori are sidelined due to injuries, leading to Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko taking the field.
A win in North London would bring United just three points behind Arsenal, even though their season has had its challenges. Amorim is missing Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez, and he has also benched Marcus Rashford. Mason Mount and Tyrell Malacia are getting the chance to start in the game. Keep up with all the action on Standard Sport’s LIVE blog, where you can find in-depth commentary from Simon Collings and Dan Kilpatrick at the stadium!
Latest updates on Arsenal vs. Manchester United
Arteta: Amorim's Impact At United Apparent
Mikel Arteta notes that he can already observe the influence of Ruben Amorim at Manchester United.
The 39-year-old has won all three of his games at United so far, but he is now up against his biggest challenge yet.
Arteta remarked, “It's easy to spot his influence in his immediate goals. He has been very straightforward about his intentions.”
"What he accomplished with Sporting was incredible after so many years. Particularly impressive is his approach and the style of play his teams exhibit."
"It injects a fresh wave of enthusiasm into a new team and its players, which is definitely a good thing. However, we need to keep our attention on our own efforts."
Arteta has gone up against Amorim previously when Arsenal played Sporting in the round of 16 of the Europa League during the 2022-23 season.
Sporting eliminated Arsenal in a penalty shootout after the two matches ended in a tie, but Arteta emphasizes that this isn't about seeking revenge.
“It's not about getting back at anyone. In football, it's all about having another chance," he explained. "Whether you've won or lost to a team, every match is a fresh start.”
"We discovered that. We faced Sporting a few days back, and it was quite different from how it was a few years ago. That really doesn't hold any significance."
Arsenal Football Club through Getty Images
Preparations are going strong in north London.
There are only about 15 minutes left until the game starts...
A little more than 20 minutes have passed in the games that started a bit earlier this evening.
The score remains 0-0 in the match between Newcastle and Liverpool, but there have been goals scored in other games.
Chelsea is ahead 2-1 against Southampton, while Manchester City is winning 1-0 over Nottingham Forest.
Pep Guardiola's team is aiming to secure their first victory since October 26.
Arsenal's Cozy Home Comforts
Arsenal won’t be traveling much from now until the end of 2024.
Starting from tonight, five out of the seven games will take place at the Emirates Stadium, while the two matches that are away will be against Fulham and Crystal Palace.
Even the journey to Brentford on New Year's Day won't take them out of London. It seems like the Gunners really need to go on a winning streak.
Arsenal Football Club, thanks to Getty Images.
Amorim Supports Shaw After Recent Setback
Luke Shaw has experienced yet another exasperating season plagued by injuries.
He came off the bench three times last week, but unfortunately, he's now dealing with a new muscle problem and will be sidelined for the next few weeks.
Amorim shares with Amazon Prime, "Since I've been a coach here, I've observed him in the medical unit and at the gym. I've witnessed his commitment to shedding pounds, and he followed all the right steps."
"If he keeps up this attitude and puts in the effort, no matter how long it takes, we have faith in him."
"Luke plays a key role on our team."
Manchester United through Getty Images
Simon Collings And Dan Kilpatrick At Emirates
Manchester United has yet to lose any matches under Ruben Amorim, having remained undefeated in games against Ipswich, Bodo/Glimt, and Everton.
This, however, is quite a noticeable improvement.
"Amorim: Fernandes And Ugarte Are Both Fast"
Before the match, Ruben Amorim shared his thoughts on what he considers to be the biggest challenge during his time as Manchester United's manager.
"It's a huge game," he mentions.
“I understand how important this is for our supporters, but it’s just another match. We need to give our best and play our style.”
Regarding the decision to deploy Bruno Fernandes in a more defensive position next to Manuel Ugarte, Amorim explains: "My approach revolves around ball control. I focus on maintaining possession in the spaces between the lines."
"Both of them are capable of running, and that's essential in today's world."
Manchester United through Getty Images
A major event in the Premier League.
Liverpool, currently nine points ahead of Arsenal, will face a challenging match against Newcastle away from home.
On the other hand, Manchester City is playing at home against Nottingham Forest, hoping to break their streak of seven games without a win.
Arsenal might really need a win just to keep their gap from Liverpool at nine points, as they won't want that difference to reach ten or more.
If Man United secures a decisive victory tonight, they would close the gap to just three points behind the Gunners.
There have been numerous shifts for Manchester United as well.
Marcus Rashford, Amad Diallo, and Joshua Zirkzee will all be sitting on the sidelines this evening.
Mason Mount and Tyrell Malacia both get the chance to start, which is uncommon for them, while Bruno Fernandes takes on a more defensive position in midfield, partnering with Manuel Ugarte.
Rasmus Hojlund takes the forefront.
Images sourced from Reuters
Arsenal Faces Double Setback!
Arsenal will be missing Gabriel and Riccardo Calafiori this evening, adding to the injury list that already includes Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu.
This indicates that Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko will be playing in the defensive positions.
In another part of the lineup, Thomas Partey takes his place in midfield, while Gabriel Martinelli is chosen ahead of Leandro Trossard.
Arsenal Football Club, pictured through the lens of Getty Images.
