They say soccer is all about teamwork, and that might be true in most cases. When Arsenal and Manchester United meet this Sunday in the Premier League, there could also be some interesting personal matchups. Everyone wants to shine in big games like this one, but not everybody can and in the end, there is only one winner.
Ozil vs Mata
Mesut Ozil may not be creating that much noise in the media, but his work should be recognized day in and day out. The former Real Madrid star, is one of the most consistent players in the squad of Arsene Wenger. He has created 29 chances for his team this season, more than any other player in his team. The German midfielder averages 55 sprints throughout a single game.
On the other side, Juan Mata is almost just as important for his team. The Spanish playmaker has already three goals in his personal account, while Ozil has none. Mata has played slightly more minutes this season (583 vs 509). Mata has not missed a single game this season and Arsenal's player was already out for one.
Both players have three assists so far this season. They have all passed the ball over 300 times with an advantage for Ozil (370-342). When it comes to try and steal the ball with a tackle, Mata has been efficient eight times and Ozil is right behind him with seven. This makes us believe that this could be one of the most interesting duels of the game at Emirates Stadium.
Sanchez vs Martial
Alexis Sanchez put most of the pressure upon himself to lead Arsenal to greater heights after he had just won the Copa America. It hasn't been sunshine and rainbows for the Chilean player who has seen his team struggle in plenty of games this season. However, he is one of the leading scorers of the team with three goals. Alexis has played in all seven games but only 525 minutes. He has created nine chances for his team up until now.
Anthony Martial arrived to Manchester at the very end of the transfer market season. He has only played in three games but has scored the same amount of goals for his team. The French striker is slightly better than his counterpart Alexis in aerial duels, winning 37% of the time.
Both players have been very disciplined this season. None of them have received either a yellow or a red card. Martial has yet to win a tackle this season, but his work area is closer to the net than what it is for Alexis. The Chilean player has won eight tackles but has lost eleven times.
Cech vs De Gea
Petr Cech knows that his glory days with Chelsea are over, but the veteran goalkeeper insists in reliving those days with a Gunner jersey. The 33-year old player is having a hard time benching David Ospina. The Spanish goalkeeper just took his spot for the most recent Champions League game. Cech has registered three clean sheets this season and 20 saves in the seven games so far.
David de Gea started the season watching the games from a far distance. He now has been key to helping Manchester United at the top of the table. The Spanish goalkeeper has one clean sheet in only three games. Man United has won every game since De Gea returned to his spot and he has already kept
When it comes to punching the ball out, Cech has done so six times and De Gea only three. Cech has made one big mistake that ended in a goal against his side, De Gea has not done so this year and he only did that once last season.
Walcott vs Rooney
Walcott is a good friend of Wayne Rooney when they get together to play for England, but in the game against each other, they are nothing but rivals. Walcott has been mostly relegated to being a sub or not playing the whole game. Both players have been involved in six games but Walcott's time on the field has only been 363 minutes compared to 540 for Wayne Rooney. He has been highly efficient, scoring two goals so far this season.
Rooney made history for Manchester United and England combined when he scored his 50th goal with the Three Lions. His hot streak with England is nowhere to be found when it comes to playing for Manchester with only one goal so far. He has only scored one goal in his last 11 Premier League games.
Roy Hodgson is paying close attention to both players. He knows that if Rooney does not find his mojo with United, his place in the starting XI for England is not secured. Walcott was also called for England's upcoming Euro Qualifying games.
