If Arsenal wants to prove their critics wrong, this might be their chance to do so. Following an unbeaten streak in Premier League games since February, the Gunners lost their previous game against Swansea at Emirates Stadium, and they need to get back quickly to their previous form if they don't want to give up a hard fought third place in the Premier League standings.
On the other side of the pitch, Manchester United won their first Premier League game in four attempts last week, when they managed to beat Crystal Palace. Although it was not their best match, Louis Van Gaal's team has reason to believe they can defeat the Gunners at Old Trafford, where things haven't gone exactly like Arsene Wenger has tried recently. Looking into the past, what are some of the most embarrassing stats the French boss and his team will have to change if they want to keep their distance against the Red Devils?
1. Arsenal has lost five out of the last six games against Man United at Old Trafford
No matter how these two sides get to this match, Manchester United has always found a way to defeat the Gunners. Arsenal's last visit to Old Trafford ended with an unusual win boosted by Welbeck's deciding goal, but prior to that game, the Red Devils managed to beat Wenger's side five times in a row in all competitions, including the famous 8-2 win back in August of 2011. Arsenal will need to remember how they beat Manchester back in March, so their third place in the standings is not risked.
2. The Gunners have conceded 15 goals at Old Trafford in their recent six visits
Even though they have managed to keep rather close scores when they visit Old Trafford, Arsenal's defenders usually struggle when they face Manchester United strikers, and this was even more visible after that 8-2 loss. Although this season has been particularly tough for Manchester United's forwards, the fact that Robin Van Persie knows very well Arsenal's coach could be one of the keys for the Red Devils' success.
3. Arsenal's players have scored THREE goals in the last four Premier League games at Old Trafford
When you look at Arsene Wenger's strikers over the years you may find some impressive names. When it comes to visiting Manchester United, they seem to forget how to score. Only Santi Cazorla, They Walcott and the now Manchester United striker Robin Van Persie were able to get past United's shot-stoppers. So far this season, Arsenal has scored 66 goals, and this is when Olivier Giroud and Alexis Sanchez will have to prove their worth for Arsene Wenger's team.
4. Avoiding red cards will be crucial for the Gunners
It may seem as a curiosity, but Arsenal's players can't seem to keep it together when they face the Red Devils at Old Trafford. The Gunners have been brought to ten men in two out of their last league games at Manchester United's venue. As frustrating as it may be for Arsenal's players to fall behind, they have to keep it together if they mean business against Old Trafford's owners.
5. A draw would be most welcome, even after so many years
Arsenal still has a game in hand before the season ends, and maybe a draw could be a good result for them. This Saturday, May 16th, will mark the sixth year without a draw between these two teams while playing at Manchester United's ground. If Arsenal can snatch a point away from Old Trafford, their chances of finishing third in the Premier League would increase considerably, since they still have two more games scheduled. Maybe fans will not be pleased if the team ends up dividing points, but Wenger may consider it a good choice.
Match details, result and original broadcast info
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Follow the game on-the-go
Download our iOS and Android apps to follow soccer on-the-go. It comes packed with features - live scores, fixtures, results, tables, line-ups, stats, TV schedule and much more! Sorry, no live streaming within the app.
