Gooner's View: A Look Ahead Of The Big Derby, The Analysts Contribute
Welcome to the Gooner’s View discussion. We will discuss and dissect the upcoming fixture of last year's champions, Manchester United, with Arsenal.
To spice the things up a bit, we have also invited the Manchester United and World Football Co-Community leader, Salaar Shamsi, and also Keith Griffin and Austin, whom all of you know from your encounters with them in the community.
I would like to thank Owen Watson, Mohamed Eldin Masri, Austin, Keith Griffin and Salaar Shamsi for taking the time to answer these questions.
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Let’s not keep you waiting. Let the discussion initiate:
What do you think the fixture means for Arsenal and Manchester United? Can it play a role for the future performances of the teams?
I think the fixture means a lot more than what both sides will tell you it means. It's Manchester United vs. Arsenal! It's the first big test of the season for both teams, but I don't think it will play a big role for their future performances. However, I think it will instill more confidence in the winner for future big four match-ups.
As far as the season goes, not much. A loss for either team at this early stage wouldnt have much of an impact really, no matter what the media tell you. Both sides would have plenty of time and games to keep their title hopes alive. However, it does give both managers a good estimation as to where their team now stands following the departure of key players in the summer. Are United as strong on the counter now that the lightning paced Ronaldo has left?
A counter attack that demolished Arsenal in the Champions League semi-finals? And are Arsenal the same now that their key striker is at Manchester City? A man who took up the reins the goalscoring burden once Theirry Henry had left for Spain? A really poor display from either side may cause the manager to dip into the transfer market once again.
The fixture has lost some of its fire over the last few seasons, but these two clubs believe they are the premiere proponents of attacking football in the English game. They are both clubs that have trusted young players in recent years, and have something to prove in this game.
Arsenal will be looking to avenge the manner of their Champions League exit last year, whereas Manchester United will want to prove they can compete with the Premier League's best without Cristiano Ronaldo.
In terms of its impact on the rest of the season, I don't think it will have to great of an impact. Both teams will be looking to win of course, and a victory will give the winning side an extra dose of confidence. The only way I see it playing a role is if one side gets unexpectedly thrashed.
It's a massive game; both teams will come into the game, high on confidence. Arsenal's midweek victory over Celtic was their fourth win of the season and all of them have been rather comprehensive wins. However, no disrespect to Pompey, Everton or Celtic but Manchester United will be Arsenal's first test against a 'big' team this season.
Arsene Wenger needs his team to play with an attacking mindset, a defeat to United won't necessarily end Arsenal's title ambitions but it could bring the Gunners back down to earth, after what, has been a sensational start to the season. For United, it's a bit of a must-win game, the Red Devils have recovered from the shock defeat to Burnley by thrashing Wigan but a win over the Gunners will get their title chase back on track.
I believe that the true meaning of this match is all about who will handle the first real blow in the title race; whoever wins are not only benefiting himself, but Chelsea and Liverpool as well.
I won’t be surprised to see Ancelotti and Benitez in Old Trafford watching the match if they have the time to. However, Chelsea and Liverpool will both hope for a draw between the two teams.
Both teams have lost players in the summer. Can you compare the after-effects of Arsenal's transfer dealings during the summer with those of Manchester United? How do you think they will affect the teams?
You can only contrast the after effects of both teams' transfers over the summer, not compare. United lost a large amount of goals by the selling of Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez and it will be hard to make up for that loss. Sure, Arsenal lost Emmanuel Adebayor, but he didn't have the affect on Arsenal that Tevez and Ronaldo, in particular, had on United. I feel Arsenal's defense was positively impacted with the addition of Thomas Vermaelen. I don't think Kolo Toure will be greatly missed. Unlike Arsenal, United didn't add much to the defense over the summer. I don't see Gabriel Obertan contributing much to the already strong defense, despite the injuries.
There are lots of similarities between the transfer dealings of both clubs this season. Arsenal and Man United have lost a key player who was one of the most inflencial at their respective clubs in the last few seasons. Whether some fans like it or not, Adebayor was an explosive goalscoring threat, capable of some amazing things. Ronaldo too was like that, except on a totally different level. Stats show that they both dominated in goals/shots table and that can only be the sign of a players that dominate in and around the box.
Ronaldo is a much bigger loss than Adebayor and Toure combined, and United have also lost Tevez who scored some important goals for them. He was also a huge facilitator of United's good play; they were a worst team last season when he wasn't on the pitch. That said, they have Wayne Rooney who will now play up front who is an outstanding player, Michael Owen will score them plenty of goals if he stays fit, and Valencia is a good footballer.
If Rooney gets injured I'd be worried for their style of play, he's taken over both the mantles of Ronaldo and Tevez in that sense...but I do think they have the squad to continue to grind out victories regardless.
As for Arsenal, they won't miss either African greatly, neither had a good season last year. They've replaced Toure with Vermaelen and have plenty of attacking options. Adebayor did tend to score in big games, but I don't think they'll miss that...they have plenty of big game players in the team. If anything a lack of defensive depth will cost Arsenal this season, not a lack of quality going forward.
United lost a match-winner in Cristiano Ronaldo, obviously, it's not easy to replace somebody of Ronaldo's calibre. However, United have enough quality within their ranks to overcome this loss and that of Carlos Tevez, who also chipped in, with his fair share of goals. Wayne Rooney has taken his own game up a notch which is a much-needed boost for the Red Devils, they also need the likes of Berbatov and new signing, Micheal Owen to have what would be one of the their best seasons in order to sustain a decent chance of retaining the league.
Arsenal have lost two key players in Kolo Toure, the heart of their defence and Emmanuel Adebayor, who has his critics but is known to score goals regularly as he is now doing for Manchester City.
If their opening performances are anything to go by, the Gunners haven't missed either of the duo, Thomas Vermaelen and William Gallas have struck an admirable partnership in defence while the likes of Song and Denilson have also matured.
However, you can't rely on Diaby and Ramsey scoring week in, week out to earn you the points throughout the season which is why the addition of another striker to assist Van Persie, Eduardo, Bendtner and Arshavin wouldn't really hurt Arsenal.
Arsenal have lost two supposedly key players, and bought one, who looks like he is going to play a key role for the club in the future. Losing Adebayor and Toure could be turn out to be a plus for the Gunners because they have pocketed £45 m. On top of that they have rid the team of controversial players and of players would have to play in the African cup of Nations. So it's a strategic and deliberate move by Wenger.
As for Manchester United, I see a bit of a problem in the departure of Christiano Ronaldo. Irrefutably, he was a very, very important player for the team, and his influence will be greatly missed. The signing of Antonio Valencia looks like a competent decision, but it still remains to be seen if he can fill the boots of Ronaldo.
Arsenal faced Celtic, which was quite an important game for them, before the match with Manchester United. Do you count that as a plus for Sir Alex Ferguson's side?
I don't think it's a plus. They're professional athletes and they have plenty of time to rest. However, look for this to be an excuse for Arsenal fans across the globe if they lose...
A more rough and tumble match, yes maybe, but the Celtic game was a stroll for Arsenal. They demolished the Scots without even hitting second gear. So, really it had no effect. Wenger's teams arent exactly known for fatigue and Im sure we will face a very fit and able Arsenal. Pity it wasnt Bolton....they would have roughed um up some what.
Not at all, I think the difficult start has focused the minds of the players and they had some excellent preparation games preseason. The Champions League qualifier has meant they've had to hit the ground running as the Europa League wasn't an option for them.
They've also been assisted by the stroke of good luck they've enjoyed. Wenger has been able to rest key players and make substitutes in both the previous Premier League games. The manner in which they've won (the wide margins rather than the performances) their games means the players will be both relaxed and confident going into this game.
If anything, that's a disadvantage for Manchester United.
I really don't think Arsenal's clash against Celtic hands any kind of an advantage to United. It's still early days in the new season so Wenger's men are unlikely to be fatigued by action in the midweek, on the contrary, the performance could boost Arsenal's morale and motivate them to go even harder at the Red Devils.
After watching the match, I really don’t think so, Wenger rested Van Persie and Arshavin, while thankfully no players were injured, Ramsey looks to have shaken the knock he got in the match and even made an assist and almost scored afterwards.
Which team do you think has the best momentum?
I don't think momentum will be a factor. Both sides seem to have a lot of it. United gained it after a 5-0 win at Wigan and Arsenal haven't been involved in a close game yet.
As for the team with the best momentum...hmm...that has to be Arsenal obviously. They have haved wiped all teams put before them. Then again...United are traditionally slow starters and I woudnt judge the season on their opening. But Arsenal's start has definitly put an end to some people's doubts and inflated others expectations...people, Vermaelen is not THAT good!!!
It's about even really, Manchester United suffered that loss to Burnley but their forwards all looked in ominous form in their last game. Michael Owen scoring with such an outstanding finish is a big plus for United, as he tends to score in strings of games and it'll give him huge confidence. It wouldn't surprise me if he started tomorrow with Rooney on the left wing.
As for Arsenal, they've got great momentum...but they've conceded in every game so far and they didn't play brilliantly in either game against Celtic, even if there was a gulf in class between the sides. I don't think either side have the advantage going into this game.
I reckon Arsenal has the better momentum coming into the game, they've comfortably won all of their games and even though, United thrashed Wigan 5-0 on the weekend. The psychological edge lies with the Gunners.
It’s hard to say considering none of the two teams had a real test of character this season, United look like there are no problems with life after Ronaldo, while Arsenal are the complete opposite of the Arsenal we saw at the beginning of last season.
Most people would say that Arsenal have the momentum, but it’s still too early to state anything at this moment, the answer to this question will be revealed after this match.
Arsenal's strikers have managed to score only one goal so far, do you think that may be counted as an advantage to Manchester United?
If anything, it's a disadvantage for United. It's hard to defend a team that has players who can score from any position. In fact, Arsenal's leading scorer is a defender (Gallas). Having so many weapons makes Arsenal unpredictable and dangerous. Almunia, however, remains scoreless.
I wish I could say it was...but its not. In fact, if United were scoring around the park like Arsenal were , the media would jump for joy! Fact is, they have looked a better team since Adebayor has left and the goals are spreading about. Its a worrying thing. How can you stop a team that can score fom 7-8 positions? They no longer seem reliant on Adebayor but instead want to pass the ball more to Arshavin and Van Persie. They seem to have become a real danger area for any team.
No, it doesn't matter who scores the goals...and Arsenal's midfield scoring is a huge plus for the Gunners. Eduardo has grabbed a few goals anyway, Arshavin has huge composure in front of goal, and van Persie has a habit of scoring against United. The forwards have been playing well, the team will create chances, and they have finishers in the side...so no, it doesn't matter.
They've been winning so it clearly doesn't appear to be a concern at the moment but you can't really rely on Diaby to earn you three points through out the season, which is why, the addition of another striker to could help Arsenal's title chase.
However, Robin Van Persie and Eduardo are quality strikers in their own right and can come up with the goods when needed so United won't be taking them lightly at all, Andrei Arshavin is rediscovering his goal scoring form which is exactly what Arsenal needed ahead of the United clash.
After the Celtic game, Eduardo and Arshavin scored two goals, so the attacking options are getting back to normal, and the main reason that Arsenal scored from the midfielders and defenders is because of the way they play football, they create chances so it’s natural to see some of the players from other positions score as well.
Who do you think are the players to watch for both teams in this match?
I think the players to watch for Manchester United are going to be Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen. Rooney has four goals in four games and you better believe that Arsenal will have a watchful eye on him. I think Owen could be a factor coming off the bench. Having scored his first goal against Wigan, I think he is booming with confidence. Andrei Arshavin and Thomas Vermaelen are my players to watch for Arsenal. Like Owen, Arshavin recently got his first goal against the Celtic. A confident, creative Arshavin is a threat for United. Thomas Vermaelen will be responsible for marking the in-form Rooney. If Vermaelen can keep Rooney scoreless, he can keep anyone scoreless.
The players to watch....hmm. For United its definitly Rooney and Nani. Yes, stop your sniggers, I said Nani. But believe it or not the Portuguese winger has previously been a danger to the Gunners and he has improved somewhat. Rooney is on fire and all Arsenal players (and fans) fear the scouser. He is everywhere this season so far. For Arsenal, it got to be Fabregas and Arshavin. Lets not fool ourselves, the Spainard will play. Wenger has played the "injury" card for too long.
It does not fool me Frenchie! Arshavin is a constant danger, one, because he must make an impact soon to rekindle his growing legendry status and two, because he will most likely be up against John O'Shea. All joking aside, the match is mouth watering. I love the rivalry, I love the hype and I love the standard of football. Two of the best teams, managers and mutual hatred's. Could you think of a better Saturday?
Undoubtedly it's Wayne Rooney for Manchester United, if Arsenal can contain him then they'll go a long way to getting a result at Old Trafford. That's much easier said than done, and Ferguson has tactically outfoxed Wenger in their last few meetings...it'll be difficult for Arsenal.
As for the Gunners, I'd say Alex Song is their key man...you could say one of the centre-backs in terms of restricting Rooney, Fabregas because of his importance to the team, or even Arshavin because he is such a big game player.
But I'm saying Song because of his role as the shield to the defence, as well as his distribution on the ball. Song's composure on the ball will be a platform upon which Arsenal build their possession in the game. If Song has a good game not only will Arsenal defend well, but they'll also hold onto the ball for longer periods. Plus, if you are looking for an unlikely scorer, the Cameroonian is your man!
Arsenal's key man is undoubtedly Andrei Arshavin, who had a fantastic game in the second leg against Celtic and with Cesc Fabregas' participation in doubt; The Gunners will be looking at the Russian to guide them to victory. Also keep an eye on Thomas Vermaelen, the former Ajax man is already a favourite at the Emirates and will need to be at his brutal best to resist the likes of Rooney and Berbatov.
Wayne Rooney's deadly goal scoring form means he's one you should definitely keep an eye on. However, Darren Fletcher, who was sent off in United's last game against Arsenal, if he starts, could play a massive role for the Red Devils. The Scot has a remarkable work ethic and could play a pivotal part in assisting United's attack and defence in overcoming the Gunners.
In Man United, the player to watch the most is definitely Wayne Rooney, while Berbatov, Owen and Nani have made some noticeable improvements with their performances; it’s Rooney who currently is the most consistent player in the Man United squad.
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