Arsenal v United: The Key Players, The Key Duels
Much of the anticipation and excitement surrounding the match this weekend between Arsenal and United, stems from the difficulty in separating the sides. Both clubs have top players, great managers and the blend of youth and experience needed to triumph. No one can predict with certainty the outcome of the match but everyone hopes it will be a humdinger.
The game could turn on a a moment of sublime endeavour or a costly mistake. What is sure is that the side with the most players winning individual duels will win.
Columnist ISpy looks at the likely match-ups for pointers as to which side will emerge victorious.
Goalkeepers : EDVS v Alumnia
The Dutch master is back to his old self after a shaky spell in the closing months of last sseason. He offers quiet assurance and dependability in the rare moments when United are under pressure. A good shot stopper, agile in the box and able to concentrate for the duration of the match, van der Sar is solidly reliable and by some distance the best United keeper since Peter Schmeichel.
Arsenal fans were raising their hands to heaven when the Spaniard stepped in for the comedic Jens Lehmann. Alumnia has yet to put a foot wrong and showed the right sort of anger when Arsenal’s wall disintegrated in the face of Gerard’s ferocious free kick in the Anfield draw last Sunday. This is Alumnia’s first real run in the side and he remains something of an unknown quantity. United will hope to test the newcomer’s desire to be recognised as a top Premiership keeper and will have noted with glee the damning comments of the displaced Lehmann
“”I am convinced I will be playing again because Almunia has yet to show he can win matches for us, he said earlier this month. “I’ve experienced this situation before and know what the other players expect from the goalkeeper. I can’t imagine Almunia will be able to handle that.”
Brown v Rosicky
It is games like this in which United would dearly love to field a fit Gary Neville. Brown has filled in admirably but Sir Alex must be concerned at his sometimes wasteful use of the ball and a tendency to foul opponents. United will need to seize every opportunity to put Arsenal’s back four under pressure. Brown has shown an ability to overlap and deliver telling crosses. He will be expected to do that and more at the Emirates.
Certainly, Brown will have his hands full curtailing Rosicky. The Czech midfielder looked bright and inventive against Liverpool. On his day, he is an exuberant force in Arsenal’s forward play. United need Brown to emerge triumphant in his personal duel with Rosicky in order to blunt the Gunners’ attacking enterprise.
Ferdinand v Adebayor
Worries over Ferdinand’s fitness have now abated and the England star should be fit to face Emmanuel Adebayor. It remains to be seen whether Ferdinand might regret his valour. The centre back did not enjoy the games against Arsenal last season and said so publicly, handing an important psychological advantage to the rangy Gunner. Ferdinand should take the field ready to prove a point. Adebayor is not Henry or Van Basten but he is a strong, athletic, handful. If Ferdinand can control the young striker, United will move onto the front foot. Fortunately, Rio is most definitely in the mood, having soared since the England savaging of September.
Vidic v Hleb
An absolutely crucial duel and a must-win for United if they are to storm the Emirates. United do not man-mark but someone will have to be responsible for picking up the runs of Hleb, who is proving to be a schemer supreme this season. Don Howe has an excellent piece in the Telegraph today where he gives his opinion on Hleb’s development this term. United should beware. Danger here!
Clichy v Giggs
Veteran Giggs may have lost his legs but retains the finely tuned brain that has made him a fixture in the United side for an incredible 16 years. I think he will get the nod from Fergie for his know-how and big match experience in spite of Nani’s great form. Giggs might not have the verve of Nani but in a match expected to be tight, where guile and cunning are likely to make the difference, Giggs is the right man.
Giggs will surely be instructed to prevent leftback Clichy from augmenting the Arsenal attack. The Frenchman has deserved his accolades this season for the surging runs upfield that make few fans yearn for the departed Ashley Cole. If Giggs can check Clichy’s forward sorties, much of Arsenal’s left flank power will be neutralised.
Hargreaves v Fabregas
The most important clash of the afternoon. If Hargreaves cannot stay with Fabregas and keep him from directing the proceedings, United’s chances of victory will be so much reduced. This is the type of match for which £20 million of United’s money was spent. A Gattuso-like performance would ensure United do not cede midfield supremacy to the Gunners. Anything less and it could be tears.
Fletcher v Flamini
If Fergie opts for Fletcher, it would be proof of the utter respect / terrible fear that he has concerning Arsenal’s midfield power. The Scot would bring tenacity and defensive know-how to United’s centre and might be a better option than playing Anderson, for whom this level of competition might have come a little too soon in his United career. Carrick, just back in training after breaking an elbow, may be too rusty for an outing of such importance.
Sir Alex may recognise the persuasive argument that Anderson offers United a more creative outlet than Fletcher and has thrived in recent weeks. But the manager will know that to submit to Arsenal’s midfield authority would be to hand the Gooners a decisive advantage. United lost at home to Arsenal last season because they were unable to match this threat. Surely, Ferguson will not make the same mistake again.
Ronaldo v Sagna
Another match-up which could prove pivotal. After a suspension-disrupted start to the season, Ronaldo has returned with goals and is enjoying playing alongside Nani, Tevez and Rooney.
Ronaldo’s brief will be to make rightback Sagna dream of France by being the wing torment of his nightmares. The defender has begun the season like an old hand but there have been signs in recent weeks that the rigours of the Premiership may be catching up with him. If Ronaldo’s trickery proves decisive, United’s most potent creator could lay the basis for a famous victory.
Rooney v Gallas
Another important clash which United will trust will end in their favour. Rooney cannot stop scoring at the moment and will have some fond memories of the Emirates stadium from last year. But he will face one of the Premiership’s most outstanding defenders in William Gallas. The odds favour the England birthday boy if the speed of United’s counter attack proves too much for Arsenal’s defence.
Tevez v Touré
Tevez will drop 10 yards behind Rooney to stiffen United’s midfield and pull one of the Gunner defenders out of position in much the same way as Hleb will try so to do at the other end. Like Rooney, Tevez has struck a rich vein of form and will not be unduly worried by the threat posed by Kolo Touré. The defender however, cannot be underestimated. Touré rarely has a bad game and is thorough and unspectacular in his work. He was caught out embarassingly earlier this month when Sunderland, chasing the game at the Emirates, scored a fine goal through the Trinidad striker Jones.
Absolutists everywhere will be hoping for a repeat performance.
