Former Olympique Marseille play maker, Samir Nasri, has been in sensational form for Arsenal this season. The French international is his club’s top scorer in the English Premier League with 8 goals and his has been singled out as one of the players to watch when the Gunners take on rivals Man United at Old Trafford tonight.
Interestingly, the Red Devils are unbeaten in the Premier League this season whereas Arsenal are those who have picked the most wins. But in terms of statistics, Manchester United can boast of another record, though: they’ve scored more goals than any other contender in the competition. Thanks to Dimitar Berbatov’s 11 goals so far, the Reds have netted 35 times.
Meanwhile, Arsenal follow closely behind with 34 goals in their name. But Manchester United once again have the advantage when it comes to the home factor as they’ve scored 24 times at Old Trafford in 8 matches whereas the Gunners don’t even have a 2 goal per match average record away from the Emirates Stadium in the English Premier League.
When you look at Berbatov and Nani’s contribution for Fergie’s side this season, it may seem logic to be wary ahead of an encounter against Manchester United. However, Arsenal's Samir Nasri claims that anxiety isn’t something that troubles him much since the departure of former Red Devils stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez.
Talking to reporters as Manchester United vs Arsenal is about to get underway, Samir Nasri shared his opinion with the public. The midfielder declared:
“For me, Manchester United are not the same team as they were before. With Cristiano Ronaldo and Tevez, it was a little bit scary to play at Old Trafford.
“Now, I don’t think that offensively they are the same as before. But, still, they are a good team and when they are 1-0 up, it’s very hard to beat them.”
The last time Arsenal faced a Carlos Tevez-less and Cristiano Ronaldo-less Manchester United side at Old Trafford, the Gunners were 1-0 up in the first half. However, a penalty goal from Wayne Rooney and an own goal from Abou Diaby prevented Arsenal from ending the night with even a point.
What can the Gunners, who currently top the English Premier League’s table standings, do this time round? Well, tonight’s match is a crucial one for Arsenal who have not won silverware since the 2004/2005 season. Samir Nasri is up for the challenge and in a positive mood of helping his side to maintain the top spot.
“We will see. But, we are really confident of getting a result out of this game,” Nasri told reporters. “I’m quite confident because we can play our game, and we know that we can score at any moment away.”
Manchester United vs Arsenal will close the 17th round of matches in the English Premier League. Chelsea drew on Sunday against Spurs, Liverpool lost (again) away to Newcastle, while Manchester City defeated West Ham.
These results mean that Tottenham Hotspur kept their 5th position whereas Manchester United and Chelsea have dropped down onto 3rd and 4th respectively. Man City are now 2nd, but their local rivals have played 2 matches less than them. What will tonight’s Manchester United vs Arsenal match offer and how will it shape the English Premier League standings?
