Arsenal vs. Manchester United: How Gunners Will Keep Slim Title Hopes Alive

The last time Arsenal took on Manchester United, the Gunners were embarrassed 8-2. But after rebounding strong, they still have a chance to win the title. 

Although it's a very slim chance. 

The Gunners are in fifth place of the Premier League standings and 15 points behind first place Manchester City. 

Coming back to win it all will be extremely difficult, but anything is possible. It would be an amazing achievement if Arsenal were to pull it off, and since there are plenty of games left to be played, the Gunners have a chance, albeit a small one. 

That being said, here's how Arsenal can keep their slim title hopes alive. 

Beat Top Teams 

Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham and Chelsea all sit atop the leader board right now, which means Arsenal has to take them down each time it plays them.

That's easier said than done, though. 

Arsenal has faced Manchester City twice this season, losing both times. The Gunners will battle them again in April, and that has to be a victory. Manchester City is dominating right now, and if Arsenal is able to get a victory, it would give them the confidence to have a strong push to close out the year. 

Sunday's contest against Manchester United might be the most important one, seeing as how the Gunners are off to a subpar start in 2012. 

Getting revenge is key, as it will give Arsenal extra motivation to continue to climb up the standings. It won't be easy, but sticking it to the top teams in the league is the best way to remain in the hunt for the title. 

Get and Stay Healthy 

Arsene Wenger confirmed  that Vermaelen, Sagna, Wilshere, Arteta, Santos, Gibbs, Jenkinson, Coquelin and Diaby will be out against Manchester United this Sunday.

Thierry Henry is doubtful, but the team will run some tests this weekend and the hope is that he will be able to go. This is all very unfortunate for Arsenal, but something the Gunners have to fight through. 

Not having these players is a huge blow for the Gunners, as it greatly decreases their chances of winning not just now but in the future. Some players need a few weeks and others need longer, but in the meantime, nobody else can suffer any injuries. 

Of course, injuries are a part of the game and are tough to avoid, but the Gunners have to stay healthy if they wish to win the title. Resting up will be key over the course of the next few months, and those who are healthy have to step up. 

Don't Slip Up 

If the Gunners are indeed going to pull off the near-impossible task of surpassing their rivals and winning the title, they'll have to avoid choking. 

Arsenal isn't completely out of it yet, but should it fall to teams with far less talent, the Gunners will be doomed. 

This means the Gunners have to take care of business against clubs like Everton, Swansea, Aston Villa, Queens Park Rangers, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Wigan Athletic. 

Losing against any of those teams will put the Gunners into a further hole, and that isn't something the team needs at this moment. 

The title hopes are slim, but because they're still there, Arsenal has to keep performing at a high level to ensure it still has a chance at winning.