This is the game of the week. Manchester United vs. Arsenal, a rivalry that has spanned the Premier League for decades and now, finally, Arsenal are on top with nothing to fear.
Arsenal seem to be unstoppable this season in Premier League play, not losing since their opener against Aston Villa.
Arsenal are 5 points clear at the top of the table and 8 points clear of Manchester United.
Manchester United hasn't been the elite team we're used to seeing so far early on this season. Wayne Rooney, however, has come out saying that he and Manchester United are ready for Sunday and that Manchester United are, "obviously capable of beating Arsenal. We've done it many times in the past." It's still so early in the Premier League season and to wave off Manchester United now would be silly.
They have the quality and experience to win more games but the missing presence of Sir Alex Ferguson could pose a road block. But you can never count out a team with players like van Persie and Wayne Rooney.
The Gunners on the other hand are playing extremely well. The defense has been solid, along with goalkeeper, Wojciech Szczesny, who is confident heading into the clash at Old Trafford. The core midfield lineup is almost dream-like. Cazorla, Ozil, Ramsey, Wilshere, Arteta, Flamini and Rosicky have all done their fair share on the field and are probably one of the best lineups in England. The Gunners have also been without Oxlade-Chamberlain, Walcott, and Podolski for most of the season. Yeah, remember we still have those guys.
Olivier Giroud has done his part up front so far this season but look for Wenger to search for another attacking option when the January transfer window opens. Having another strong option up front could only help the Gunners on their route to winning a Premier League title.
As I do every week as a Gunners fan, I look forward to watching Ramsey and Ozil. This is Ozil's first clash against the rival Red Devils and I want to see him run the midfield along with Ramsey who is a scoring machine this season. To say he won't reach 20 goals this season (in all competitions that is) is preposterous. I also think the defense will match up well against Robin van Persie. Mertesacker and Koscielny have experience marking van Persie from their years together on the practice pitch and they have been a reliable duo this season.
I will leave you with one of my fondest memories of this rivalry. Probably one of the greatest goals ever scored in the Premier League. Theirry Henry, September 30, 2000, in a 1-0 win against Manchester United.
http://youtu.be/cvl1lqUeowQ