This weekend, Arsenal face an in-form Manchester United side who look to be back to winning ways. Youngster Anthony Martial has been instrumental in United’s successes recently following his mega-money move from Monaco. The north West club currently sit at the top of the Barclays Premier League table, but a win in this game would see the Gunners go level with the Red Devils on points. With both Alexis Sanchez and Theo Walcott scoring on a regular basis as of late, Arsene Wenger will be hoping that his side can keep the United attack at bay.
The main talking point about the United team this season is their new signing, Anthony Martial. The young Frenchman has earned a likeness to Arsenal legend Thierry Henry for his speed, ball control and cool finishing technique. It remains yet to be seen if Martial can come close to Henry’s standard, but it would be foolish to argue that the speedster doesn’t have potential. Martial’s greatest weapon is his speed and trickery on the ball.His first goal for United came against Liverpool where he sold Martin Skrtel a dummy and then went through on Simon Mignolet.
If Arsenal want to stop United, then they must make sure that there are two defenders watching the runs of Martial. The full backs must support their inside centre half so that there is a second line of defence against Martial’s speed.
The other player that Arsenal must be on the lookout for is Dutchman Memphis Depay. The tricky winger came to United after much speculation this summer, and although he hasn’t had the lightning quick start that Martial has had, Depay has certainly earned himself a starting role in the United side.
Much like Martial, Depay is brilliantly fast on the ball and has excellent close-quarter dribbling, meaning that he won’t be afraid to take on opposing defenders. As a result, it is imperative that the full backs push him out wide. Depay’s weakness, much like fellow Dutchman Arjen Robben is his tendency to cut inside and take a shot. Eventually, defenders will wise up to his tactic and keep him wide, thus preventing him from shooting. Depay is also lethal at free kicks, therefore it goes without question that the Arsenal defence must not concede silly free kicks close to their goal.
Going forward, Arsenal don’t need to change much of what they have been doing. With Walcott up front and Sanchez and Oxlade-Chamberlain down the wings, the Gunners have blistering pace in attack that would frighten even the best of defenders. As a result, it goes without saying that these players must break quickly on counter attacks, but also mustn’t be afraid to try shooting. Too often Arsenal attacks will look for another pass, rather than just shoot when the shot is there for them.
This game will obviously be a real test for both sides, but if Wenger’s side can keep their heads clear and focus on their game plan, there is no reason why they can’t overcome Van Gaal’s side.
