Arsenal will be hoping to bounce back from Tuesday night’s disappointing defeat to Newcastle United when they host Manchester United at the Emirates on Sunday afternoon.
Newcastle ran out 2-0 winners in North London, beating the Gunners courtesy of goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon.
The result leaves Arsenal with a mountain to climb ahead of the second leg at St. James’ Park in February and has subsequently soured the mood around a deflated fanbase.
Arsenal supporters were fuming after the cup defeat, and thus responding against United is pivotal in ensuring that the state of affairs in N5 remains healthy and doesn’t descend into toxicity.
Arteta will be optimistic that his side can overcome Ruben Amorim’s outfit, who currently sit 13th in the Premier League, although the Red Devils will be buoyed by their draw with Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.
Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, reacts during the Carabao Cup Semi Final First Leg match between Arsenal and Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium…
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images
Arsenal v Man United will be played with a different FA Cup ball
In the aftermath of Tuesday’s encounter against the Magpies, Mikel Arteta issued a bizarre excuse for Arsenal’s loss.
The Spaniard was asked about how the EFL Cup ball differs to the Premier League ball, and responded by claiming that because it ‘flies differently’, his team had to adapt.
The tactician will have to contend with another different ball on Sunday against United, in a game that will use an entirely unique ball all together.
A limited-edition ball has been revealed by British football brand Mitre, which has been designed specifically for United as the current holders of the FA Cup.
It’ll be in use for the entire duration of the Manchester club’s run in the cup competition, for however long that lasts.
While the ball’s appearance will differ from the ball used in non-United game’s this weekend, the mechanics of it will be identical
This feature is par for the course in the FA Cup, with the winners presented with a unique ball to use the season after claiming the silverware.
Only 500 are said to be made each year, with the object often becoming a collector’s item.
Arteta has a strong record against Man United
Ultimately, the ball being used shouldn’t impact Arsenal’s ability to win the tie on Sunday afternoon.
Despite recent struggles, the Gunners should have far too much for Amorim’s team, who had been in dire form prior to their impressive performance against Liverpool.
Arsenal comfortably beat United 2-0 back in December, bombarding Andre Onana’s goal-mouth with a succession of dangerous set-pieces, and Arteta should look to exploit this weakness in the United ranks again on Sunday.
Mikel Arteta’s managerial record vs Man Utd
Matches 10
Wins 7
Draws 1
Losses 2
Goals For 18
Goals Against 10
Since Arteta took charge of Arsenal, the North Londoners have suffered just two defeats in ten games against their north-west rivals, winning seven.
The head coach evidently has United’s number, and given the chasm between the two teams at this present moment, he should have a game plan in place to ease past Amorim’s flailing side.
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