On Sunday afternoon, Erik ten Hag will try to end the winning streak of the Gunners when Man Utd and Arsenal face one other at Old Trafford.
Ronaldo scores the game-winning goal at Old Trafford in December
The timing of Manchester United's match against Arsenal, who have won all of their Premier League games thus far this season, could not be better.
When the Brentford game ended, everyone looked over United's schedule and a feeling of dread settled in. There was concern that things would get physical with Liverpool at home, Southampton and Leicester away, and then Arsenal back at Old Trafford.
In just two and a half weeks, United has amassed all nine points, with just a Mohamed Salah header in the 81st minute preventing three straight clean sheets. With each passing training session, the team begins to comprehend Erik ten Hag's demands, so he will be pleased with the response he has received from them.
Even though United has been playing well lately, they will face their greatest test of the year on Sunday when they welcome Arsenal to Old Trafford. This season, Mikel Arteta's strategy finally seems to be bearing fruit; his team has played with a certain swagger as their youthful set-up begins to display maturity.
Arsenal's situation might not be as straightforward as it first seems. Their five victories in the Premier League have come against Crystal Palace, Leicester, Bournemouth, Fulham, and Aston Villa; Bournemouth and Fulham were both promoted from the Championship, leaving the Foxes as the only team from that group to finish in the top half of the league last season (8th).
Of course, there is the counterargument that you can only win against the teams in front of you, which Arteta's team has successfully done, but they haven't been put to the test yet this year. Additionally, they only won by a single goal in their last two home games against Fulham and Villa, demonstrating a lack of ruthlessness ahead of the goal.
Therefore, United should draw strength from the fact that they are also on a winning streak and that Arsenal hasn't eliminated another 'Big Six' team, which would make everyone sit up and take attention. United have already been challenged this season by a strong team, despite Liverpool having a struggling roster for the Reds' 2-1 victory.
And on Sunday, another injury-hampered team may visit Old Trafford. Oleksandr Zinchenko is questionable after skipping this week's team practice, and both Martin Odegaard and Aaron Ramsdale sustained injuries during Wednesday night's 2-1 victory over Villa. Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny have both been categorically ruled out.
Returning to United, there are many reasons for the players to feel confident in their ability to defeat the Gunners, despite Arsenal's problems.
With the victory over Leicester, United has now won three straight Premier League games for the first time since December. Football relies heavily on momentum, and United has found its groove just in time. Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez's improving chemistry has allowed their team to keep consecutive clean sheets.
Prior to the match against Arsenal, Casemiro had the opportunity to obtain crucial game time in his legs, allowing Ten Hag to gradually integrate the player into his tactical setup, and Antony is now qualified to make his debut on Sunday as well.
No matter how well-integrated the Brazilian pair are with the rest of the team—especially Antony—the mere fact that their names are on the roster is enough to worry Arsenal's players. Due to the absence of Partey and Elneny, Sambi Lokonga of Arsenal is expected to start, and Casemiro may be given the opportunity to dominate the midfield area.
Although Arsenal has had a flawless start to the season, United will test their mettle against them on Sunday, and a perfect storm may be brewing at Old Trafford.
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