Arsenal vs Manchester United - LIVE!
Arsenal ended Ruben Amorim’s unbeaten run as Manchester United boss and cut the gap to Liverpool to seven points at the top of the Premier League with a 2-0 win at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners were frustrated in the first-half, as United sat solid in their shape and slowed things down, but there was a sign of things to come when Thomas Partey somehow headed wide from a corner when free only a few yards out. Set-pieces once again proved to be the difference for the Gunners. They took the lead ten minutes after the restart when Declan Rice whipped the corner to the near post and Jurrien Timber flicked a header past Andre Onana for his first Arsenal goal.
David Raya made a superb save to deny Matthijs de Ligt before the Gunners double their advantage in familiar fashion. Saka’s corner was swung to the back post, Partey nodded it back across the face of goal and the ball bounced off William Saliba, who knew very little about it, and in. United were fortunate not to conceded a third from a corner shortly after, when Mikel Merino was left unmarked and he nodded just wide of the far post. That did not prove a costly miss, as Arsenal cruised to the final whistle, ensuring they took advantage of Liverpool being held to a draw by Newcastle earlier in the night.
Arsenal vs Man United latest news
- FT: Arsenal cut gap to Liverpool with win
- GOAL! Saliba doubles lead
- GOAL! Timber heads Arsenal in front
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23:08 , Matt Verri“Set piece again, ole ole,” was the unusual chant around the Emirates during yet another big occasion when Arsenal’s prowess from dead-balls was the difference.
Even without Gabriel, who has comfortably been their biggest threat from set-pieces this season, United simply could not cope with the hosts' quality from corners.
Arsenal's new routine of grouping players at either post was hugely effective, with Timber’s opener a carbon copy of Gabriel’s goal which broke the deadlock in the 5-2 win over West Ham at the weekend.
Saliba knew relatively little about his goal after Partey headed Bukayo Saka's corner back across the box, but it was a result of the panic Arsenal inspired in the United box from every dead ball.
Post-match thoughts from Rice
22:22 , Matt VerriSuperb performance from the Arsenal midfielder tonight...
What a night!
— Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) December 4, 2024
Declan Rice speaks to @gabrielclarke05 after Arsenal's 2-0 win over Man Utd 🙌#PLonPrime #ARSMUN pic.twitter.com/QeM1oP9666
Player ratings
22:14 , Matt VerriJurrien Timber 8
Scored the all-important opening goal by heading home from a corner. Capped off another great performance. Has made Arsenal’s right flank even better.
William Saliba 8 | Star player
Right from the off he was so composed on the ball, even making a few good runs forward. Rewarded with a goal to make it 2-0. Dominant.
Read our full Arsenal ratings here!
Simon Collings at the Emirates
22:08 , Matt VerriThat's now four wins on the spin for Arsenal since returning from the latest international break.
Set-pieces, again, showed their value for them, but they were much improved in the second-half generally.
Gap to leaders Liverpool now 7 points.
FT: Arsenal 2-0 Man United
22:06 , Matt VerriJob done for the Gunners!
They cut the gap to Liverpool to seven points and end Ruben Amorim’s unbeaten start to life as Man United boss.
Arsenal 2-0 Man United
22:04 , Matt Verri90+3 mins: Arsenal happy enough to just keep the ball now at the back. United have given up on pressing.
Turned into a fairly comfortable evening for them.
Arsenal 2-0 Man United
22:02 , Matt Verri90+1 mins: Rice’s delivery from corners has been absurd. Perfect every time.
Onana comes for this one, doesn’t really get there and it bounces around on the goalline before United hack it away.
Four minutes added on.
Arsenal 2-0 Man United
22:01 , Matt Verri90 mins: Trossard in behind, has a couple of chances to pick out one of three team-mates in the middle but goes for goal himself. Deflected behind.
Odegaard coming off for the final few minutes, Jorginho on in his place and he takes the captain’s armband.
Arsenal 2-0 Man United
22:00 , Matt Verri88 mins: Zirkzee leads the United counter... and runs straight into Trossard.
Arsenal doing a good job, that free-kick a couple of minutes ago aside, of seeing this match out.
Arsenal 2-0 Man United
21:57 , Matt Verri86 mins: Chance here for United, as they win a free-kick just outside the Arsenal area. Fernandes and Rashford standing over it.
It’s a clever routine, Fernandes sliding the pass through to Antony and Raya is forced into action!
Poor effort in the end from Antony, straight at the goalkeeper.
Arsenal 2-0 Man United
21:54 , Matt Verri83 mins: Huge block!
Trossard dances his way into the box, ball rolls into Odegaard’s path and it looks to be a massive chance.
Mazraoui slides in to block the shot though. Think Onana would have had a big problem otherwise.
Arsenal 2-0 Man United
21:52 , Matt Verri81 mins: Saka running at Mazraoui, who again can only back off.
Beaten on the outside, low ball into the six-yard box and Yoro turns it behind for... a corner.
Arsenal 2-0 Man United
21:50 , Matt Verri79 mins: It’s relentless Arsenal pressure now.
Trossard whips the ball in, just above Merino and De Ligt heads it away.
Another United change - Antony on for Hojlund.
Simon Collings at the Emirates
21:48 , Matt VerriSomewhere Tony Pulis is smiling and telling us all: "I told you all set-pieces matter."
Arsenal 2-0 Man United
21:48 , Matt Verri76 mins: United are just being bullied from these set-pieces. Onana under pressure from Saliba, just about tips it away for another corner.
Here we go again...
And it should be 3-0! United do not have a clue what they’re doing from these.
Merino completely free, heads just wide.
Arsenal 2-0 Man United
21:47 , Matt Verri75 mins: And there’s another corner coming up...
Brilliant ball from Odegaard, Havertz with only Onana to beat from a tight angle. Goalkeeper makes the save.
Arsenal 2-0 Man United
21:46 , Matt VerriI was giving Saliba a bit too much credit there.
It’s just hit him, didn’t know anything about it as he almost turned away from it.
VAR having a look at offside... goal stands!
GOAL! Arsenal 2-0 Man United | William Saliba 73'
21:44 , Matt VerriAND ANOTHER GOAL FROM A CORNER!
It’s swung to the back post this time, Partey nods it back across the face of goal and Saliba is there to bundle it in from close range.
Arsenal 1-0 Man United
21:44 , Matt Verri72 mins: Rice with the shot from 25 yards out, Fernandes across and throws his body in the way to block.
Rashford then makes a mess of things in his corner, trying to get out of trouble. Knocks it straight behind.
Simon Collings at the Emirates
21:42 , Matt VerriDeclan Rice has been so good since half-time.
Given the midfield the lift it needed with his energy.
Arsenal 1-0 Man United
21:42 , Matt Verri70 mins: Here are the Arsenal changes.
Merino and Trossard the two coming on, replacing Martinelli and Zinchenko.
Will be Partey out to right-back, Timber switching over to the left.
Arsenal 1-0 Man United
21:40 , Matt Verri68 mins: Trossard looks like he’s getting ready to come on.
Would be a big call to bring Tierney on, but Zinchenko on a yellow card against Amad feels like just as big a risk for the Gunners.
Arsenal 1-0 Man United
21:38 , Matt Verri66 mins: Great save from Raya!
Fernandes dinks the free-kick in, De Ligt powers a header back across goal and Raya is at full stretch to tip it away.
Arsenal 1-0 Man United
21:37 , Matt Verri65 mins: Arsenal the ones now being told to hurry things up. Zinchenko in no rush with the throw-in.
Gunners lose it straight from that and Amad is too quick for Zinchenko, who can only drag him to the ground. Yellow card.
Arsenal 1-0 Man United
21:35 , Matt Verri63 mins: Rice has been brilliant since half-time.
Amad pokes the ball in behind, but the Arsenal midfielder is there to mop up and calmly deal with it.
Arsenal 1-0 Man United
21:32 , Matt Verri61 mins: Rice with the surging run forward and he wins another corner for Arsenal, which he’ll take.
Off the line!
Dear me, it’s chaos at every corner. United cannot deal with it.
Zirkzee flicks it on, nearly into his own net but Ugarte saves the day.
Arsenal 1-0 Man United
21:30 , Matt Verri59 mins: Amorim responds with a triple change.
Rashford, Zirkzee and Yoro all on. Garnacho, Mount and Maguire make way.
It’s a debut for Yoro.
Arsenal 1-0 Man United
21:29 , Matt Verri58 mins: Nearly brilliant!
Odegaard with a sensational flicked pass through to Saka, Onana gets down well to save at the near post.
Wouldn’t have counted, Saka had just drifted offside.
Simon Collings at the Emirates
21:28 , Matt VerriA near carbon-copy of Gabriel's goal at West Ham, but this time Timber is the scorer.
Arsenal have carried a threat from set-pieces all night.
Arsenal 1-0 Man United
21:27 , Matt Verri56 mins: Rice with the header through to Havertz, Arsenal are really at it now.
Cut back to Odegaard, he tries to dance his way through the challenges in the box but he’s just crowded out.
GOAL! Arsenal 1-0 Man United | Jurrien Timber 54'
21:25 , Matt VerriARSENAL IN FRONT!
And it’s from a corner!
Rice whips it in, Timber with the run at the near post and it’s flicked in.
Arsenal 0-0 Man United
21:24 , Matt Verri52 mins: Amad, on for Malacia at half-time, is already looking dangerous.
Skips past Zinchenko with his first run, so direct.
Dan Kilpatrick at the Emirates
21:23 , Matt VerriArsenal have missed Gabriel much more at set pieces than they have defensively tonight.
Their delivery from corners has been excellent, as always, but they've missed a finisher in the box.
Arsenal 0-0 Man United
21:23 , Matt Verri51 mins: De Ligt has gone down, he’s off the pitch but does his best to roll back onto it as he receives some treatment.
You can imagine how the Arsenal fans take that.
Maguire then booked for throwing a ball on the pitch in an attempt to slow things down.
Arsenal 0-0 Man United
21:20 , Matt Verri49 mins: Better from Arsenal, as they get in down the right. Lovely ball from Partey.
Odegaard can’t get the shot away, lays it off to Rice instead and his effort is deflected over.
Arsenal 0-0 Man United
21:19 , Matt Verri47 mins: Garnacho can have an early run at Timber, and he swings in a great cross to the back post.
Hojlund doesn’t make the run, ball trickles through out of play.
At the other end, Martinelli is one-on-one with Maguire... tame shot straight at him.
Back underway!
21:17 , Matt VerriWe’re up and running in the second-half at the Emirates!
Salah again!
21:14 , Matt VerriMake that 3-2 Liverpool!
As it stands, they will be going 11 points clear of Arsenal.
Feel like the Gunners have to beat Man United tonight.
Elsewhere in the Premier League...
21:07 , Matt VerriNewcastle have twice taken the lead, and twice been pegged back by Liverpool.
There’s about 15 minutes left and it’s 2-2, after a typically composed finish from Mohamed Salah.
"SO SLICK!" 👌
— Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) December 4, 2024
Trent Alexander-Arnold to Mo Salah and we're level again at St James' Park!#PLonPrime #NEWLIV pic.twitter.com/G9vh2ALuUS
Simon Collings at the Emirates
21:03 , Matt VerriVisitors have done well to turn this into an awkward game for Arsenal.
Very organised and slowed the tempo of the match down, too.
Arsenal had two good chances through Martinelli and Partey - but not at it yet.
HT: Arsenal 0-0 Man United
21:01 , Matt VerriThat’s half-time at the Emirates.
Not the most thrilling of 45 minutes, which is just what United have wanted.
They’ve been solid in defence and not really allowed Arsenal to get anything going.
Arsenal 0-0 Man United
20:59 , Matt Verri44 mins: Malacia near enough rugby tackles Havertz to the floor, and then stops him taking a quick free-kick.
Not a huge surprise, then, when the yellow card comes out.
Not really what Malacia wants when he’s up against Saka.
Arsenal 0-0 Man United
20:57 , Matt Verri42 mins: Just wide!
United’s best moment in attack. Maguire with the low ball into the six-yard box, poor clearances from Kiwior is straight to Dalot.
Drilled across the face of goal, can’t quite find the far corner.
Dan Kilpatrick at the Emirates
20:56 , Matt VerriUnited have done a great job of frustrating the hosts so far.
Amorim's side are defending with two solid banks, and have fouled and been fouled cannily, while aiming to slow down the game at every opportunity.
Hojlund has had little joy but is an outlet up top.
This feels like a big test for the Gunners.
Arsenal 0-0 Man United
20:55 , Matt Verri40 mins: Martinelli gets to the byline, Havertz waiting at the back post but the cross is straight at Onana.
Arsenal’s best moments have come from set-pieces, not a whole lot from open play so far.
Arsenal 0-0 Man United
20:53 , Matt Verri38 mins: Arsenal finding it really difficult to play through United.
Odegaard drifting around midfield trying to get involved, but he’s been fairly quiet. Arteta having a pretty animated chat with his coaching staff.
Arsenal 0-0 Man United
20:50 , Matt Verri35 mins: Partey lets the ball run his foot, chance for United to break. Again they’re happy to slow things down and turn back, though.
Garnacho then draws a cheap foul from Zinchenko, having briefly gone out to that wing.
Arsenal 0-0 Man United
20:48 , Matt Verri33 mins: United haven’t really offered anything in attack, but Amorim will be satisfied enough with the start they’ve made.
Slowing things down, not letting Arsenal really build the pressure. Home fans getting more and more edgy.
Arsenal 0-0 Man United
20:45 , Matt Verri30 mins: Saka with the latest corner, this time it’s a bit loopy and Onana can come off his line to claim.
More boos from the home fans as he takes his time over restarting play.
Arsenal 0-0 Man United
20:44 , Matt Verri29 mins: A mess at the back from United!
Saka beats Malacia on the outside, hammers the ball across the face of goal. Appeals for handball as it hits Maguire, never getting that.
Onana then has to just boot it behind for a corner as Saka threatens to pounce on the loose ball.
Arsenal 0-0 Man United
20:42 , Matt Verri27 mins: Mount slips and wipes out Odegaard, home fans want a yellow card but it’s just a warning.
Partey again looks to go out to Saka, but Malacia is alert to it and can intercept. He’s done a decent job so far, the wing-back.
Arsenal 0-0 Man United
20:40 , Matt Verri25 mins: Another corner... another big chance!
Onana with a bit of a flap, drops for Zinchenko and his strike is deflected into the path of Martinelli.
Should do better, but slices his shot wide.
Simon Collings at the Emirates
20:39 , Matt VerriA few restless supporters among the home fans.
United have done a decent job of knocking Arsenal out of their rhythm, making this an awkward game.
Arsenal 0-0 Man United
20:39 , Matt Verri24 mins: Maguire has a few times given Odegaard a shove as the Arsenal captain looks to go by and press Onana.
Odegaard goes down this time, referee not interested.
Partey with a great ball over the top, Malacia does just about enough to stop Saka getting in behind. Corner.
Arsenal 0-0 Man United
20:37 , Matt Verri22 mins: Saka with the in-swinger... right on top of Onana and the goalkeeper parries it away.
Comes back out to Saka, cross stood up to the back post and Partey loops a header over the bar.
Arsenal 0-0 Man United
20:36 , Matt Verri21 mins: Mazraoui robbed of the ball and Arsenal can pounce, Odegaard with space to drive into.
He, as ever, fires it wide to Saka. Lays it back to Timber, cross charged down and another Arsenal corner.
Arsenal 0-0 Man United
20:34 , Matt Verri19 mins: Fernandes with the ball over the top, Raya out quickly to clear the danger.
United having a good spell here. Slowed down Arsenal’s momentum and keeping the ball well, they’ve got themselves into this match.
Arsenal 0-0 Man United
20:32 , Matt Verri17 mins: Dalot is free on the right, Ugarte tries to play the big switch but Zinchenko intercepts.
Space for Martinelli to break into, Fernandes does really well though to get across and slide ion.
Arsenal 0-0 Man United
20:29 , Matt Verri14 mins: United being very patient when they do get the ball, trying to slow things down and take the pace out of the game.
Malacia makes a run down the left, briefly looks to be in, before Garnacho then has a cross charged down by Timber.
Arsenal 0-0 Man United
20:26 , Matt Verri11 mins: Saka with a first chance to run at Mazraoui and the United man doesn’t look like he fancies it.
Desperately backing off, Saka clips the cross to the back post and United just about scramble it away.
Dan Kilpatrick at the Emirates
20:24 , Matt VerriRuben Amorim seems to enjoy crouching on the edge of his technical area to watch his side.
Someone get the man a bucket.
Arsenal 0-0 Man United
20:23 , Matt Verri8 mins: No Gabriel for Rice to aim for with this set-piece.
It’s whipped to the near post, Partey is completely free a few yards out but he nods it wide!
HAD to score.
Arsenal 0-0 Man United
20:22 , Matt Verri7 mins: Arsenal looking confident in possession, passing it around nicely.
Zinchenko clips a ball over the top, Martinelli charging after it and Dalot can only knock it behind for a corner.
Simon Collings at the Emirates
20:19 , Matt VerriUnited happy to play out from the back - and Arsenal are happy to press them high.
Should make for an interesting match...
GOOOO... OFFSIDE!
20:19 , Matt Verri4 mins: Martinelli smashes the ball into the net, but the offside flag is up.
Poor ball out from Onana, Zinchenko can pounce. He plays it into Havertz in the box, who lays it off to Martinelli.
Confident finish, but Havertz was a couple of yards off.
Arsenal 0-0 Man United
20:17 , Matt Verri2 mins: Arsenal with all of the ball in the first couple of minutes, United happy to sit off and let the defenders have it.
As expected, it is Mount on the right behind Hojlund, with Fernandes deeper alongside Ugarte.
KICK-OFF!
20:15 , Matt VerriWe’re up and running at the Emirates!
Teams are out onto the pitch. Great atmosphere as you’d expect.
Arsenal have had the better of this fixture in recent match-ups - can Amorim put an end to that?
Here we go...
20:07 , Matt VerriPlayers will be in the tunnel in the next few minutes.
Newcastle have just taken the lead against Liverpool, Alexander Isak with a brilliant finish.
A long, long way to go, but as it stands Arsenal would have the chance to cut the gap to six points at the top.
Arteta: Amorim impact at United already showing
20:01 , Matt VerriMikel Arteta says he can already see Ruben Amorim’s “fingerprints” at Manchester United.
The 39-year-old has been unbeaten in his three matches at United, but now faces his toughest test.
“You can see his fingerprints in what he wants to do straight away,” said Arteta. “He’s been very clear with what he wants to do.
“What he did with Sporting was remarkable after so many years. Especially the way he did it and the way his teams are playing.
“It brings energy to a new club and the players which is always positive. But we have to focus on what we’re doing.”
Arteta has faced Amorim before, with Arsenal taking on Sporting in the last 16 of the Europa League during the 2022-23 season.
Sporting knocked the Gunners out on penalties after both legs finished in a draw, but Arteta insists this is not a revenge mission.
“Not revenge. In football it’s about another opportunity,” he said. “Whether you have beaten them or lost against any opponent it’s another game.
“We learned that. We played Sporting a few days ago and it was different from a few years ago. That has no meaning.”
Not long now!
19:56 , Matt VerriWarm-ups well underway in north London.
Just over 15 minutes to go until kick-off...
Out for the warm ups ♨️#MUFC || #ARSMUN
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 4, 2024
Goals flying in...
19:52 , Matt VerriJust over 20 minutes played in the matches that kicked off a bit earlier this evening.
Still 0-0 between Newcastle and Liverpool, but we’ve had goals elsewhere.
Chelsea are 2-1 up at Southampton, while Man City lead Nottingham Forest 1-0.
Pep Guardiola’s side looking for their first win since October 26.
Home comforts for Arsenal
19:43 , Matt VerriVery little travel for Arsenal between now and the end of 2024.
Including tonight, five of the seven matches are at the Emirates, and the two away days are to Fulham and Crystal Palace.
Even the trip on New Year’s Day to Brentford won’t see them leave London - feels like the Gunners have to put together a big run.
Amorim backs Shaw after latest setback
19:37 , Matt VerriLuke Shaw has had another painfully frustrating season on the injury front.
He made three appearances off the bench last week, but has now picked up a fresh muscle issue and is set to be out for a few weeks.
Amorim tells Amazon Prime: "As a coach since I am here I have seen him in the medical department. I saw him in the gym, I saw him losing weight and he did everything right.
"If he continues with this behaviour, doing everything he can, as long as it takes we believe in him.
"Luke is an important player for us."
Simon Collings and Dan Kilpatrick at the Emirates
19:31 , Matt VerriMan United unbeaten under Ruben Amorim so far, in matches against Ipswich, Bodo/Glimt and Everton.
This, though, is a fairly obvious step up.
"It's the first big test for Ruben Amorim."
— Standard Sport (@standardsport) December 4, 2024
🗣 @sr_collings and @Dan_KP give their pre-match thoughts ahead of a huge night at the Emirates.
LIVE: https://t.co/iYGKpbaHFo #ARSMUN pic.twitter.com/S5I5gQ778o
Amorim: Fernandes and Ugarte can both run
19:25 , Matt VerriRuben Amorim has been speaking ahead of kick-off, looking ahead to what is the toughest test of his Man United reign so far.
“It’s a massive game,” he says.
“I know this matters a lot to our fans but it’s just one more game. We have to compete and show our game.”
On playing Bruno Fernandes in a deeper role alongside Manuel Ugarte, Amorim adds: “My thinking is with the ball. Thinking of having the ball in the half space.
“They both can run which is important for today.”
How it stands...
19:19 , Matt VerriBig night in the Premier League.
Liverpool, who currently sit nine points clear of Arsenal, are away to Newcastle in what is a real test for them.
Man City, meanwhile, are at home to Nottingham Forest as they look to end their seven-match winless run.
Victory could be necessary for Arsenal just to stay within nine points of Liverpool - won’t want that deficit to get into double figures.
Man United would move only three points behind the Gunners should they earn a statement win tonight.
Amorim shuffles pack
19:13 , Matt VerriPlenty of changes for Man United, too.
Marcus Rashford, Amad Diallo and Joshua Zirkzee all have to settle for places on the bench tonight.
Rare starts for Mason Mount and Tyrell Malacia, while Bruno Fernandes has a deeper role in midfield alongside Manuel Ugarte.
Rasmus Hojlund leads the line.
Double blow for Arsenal!
19:08 , Matt VerriWell then...
Arsenal are without both Gabriel and Riccardo Calafiori tonight, as they join Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu on the injury list.
It means Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko start in defence.
Elsewhere, Thomas Partey starts in midfield and Gabriel Martinelli gets the nod over Leandro Trossard.
Man United team news
19:02 , Matt VerriManchester United XI: Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Maguire; Dalot, Ugarte, Fernandes, Malacia; Mount, Garnacho; Hojlund
Subs: Bayindir, Kukonki, Yoro, Casemiro, Eriksen, Amad, Antony, Rashford, Zirkzee
Arsenal team news
19:01 , Matt VerriArsenal XI: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Zinchenko, Partey, Rice, Odegaard, Martinelli, Saka, Havertz.
Subs: Neto, Tierney, Heaven, Jorginho, Merino, Nwaneri, Trossard, Sterling, Jesus.
Arteta hails Odegaard and Saka relationship
18:52 , Matt VerriMikel Arteta believes the chemistry between Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard is reminiscent of the understanding Barcelona’s famous midfield of Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets and Xavi shared.
Odegaard and Saka have been in fine form of late and Arsenal have won three games on the spin going into tonight’s match.
The Gunners have scored 13 goals in that time, with Odegaard and Saka at the heart of their attacking play.
It has been reminiscent of last season, when Odegaard and Saka created 40 open-play chances for each other in the Premier League - more than any other pair.
And asked about their chemistry, Arteta said: “I’ve seen centre-backs, I’ve seen midfielders between them having… I always think about Barcelona with Xavi, Busquets and Iniesta - it was unbelievable.
“They didn’t even need to look at themselves. Our two centre-backs - naturally there is a chemistry there that is unbelievable.
“So try to develop those more and more, because there is something there that is very difficult to put a number to it. But it’s close in a natural way and the more relationships you have make the team the better.”
Team news coming up...
18:43 , Matt VerriJust over 15 minutes until we get all the team news from the Emirates.
Rumours that Ruben Amorim has made some big calls, with Marcus Rashford potentially on the bench tonight.
As for Arsenal, all eyes on whether Gabriel is fit to start.
Round opens up on Arsenal exit
18:36 , Matt VerriSteve Round insists he did not leave Arsenal over a bust-up with Mikel Arteta due to the signing of David Raya.
Round departed Arsenal in the summer of 2023 after working as one of Arteta’s assistants since he was hired in December 2019.
It has since been reported that the signing of Raya, who replaced Aaron Ramsdale as Arsenal’s No1, was a factor in Round’s departure.
But Round told Footy Accumulators’ No Tippy Tappy Football podcast: “I read a piece about that and that’s completely untrue, it’s a load of rubbish.
“There were no arguments or differences of opinion or anything like that. When I first went in with Mikel, I said to him, when the time is right, I think I’ll need to move on when it suits us both.
“We had a discussion in that summer [2023] and we said, I think it’s time that I went and we were both in agreement with each other.
“I think I needed to step away from it and have a break. I’ve been on the front line for nearly 30 years and it was tough.”
Saka looking to emulate Ronaldo
18:24 , Matt VerriGrowing up, Bukayo Saka idolised Cristiano Ronaldo and the Arsenal winger’s admiration for him has only increased over the years.
Saka initially looked up to Ronaldo for his talent, but more recently he has earned a newfound respect for how his work off the pitch has prolonged the 39-year-old’s career. Ronaldo turns 40 in February and is still captain of Portugal.
Perhaps that has rubbed off on Saka, as there are few players at Arsenal who can match his work ethic when it comes to recovery and taking care of their body. It is how the winger is able to constantly shake off knocks despite being routinely targeted by opposition defenders.
On the pitch, Saka has a long way to go to match the exploits of Ronaldo - who during his career transformed from a tricky winger into one of the game’s greatest ever goalscorers.
But Saka is certainly making strides and this season only Mohamed Salah has been involved in more Premier League goals than him.
Stage is set!
18:15 , Matt VerriBig night ahead under the lights in north London...
On enemy territory 👊#MUFC || #ARSMUN
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 4, 2024
Havertz: We have to be ready for Amorim's Man United
18:07 , Matt VerriKai Havertz says Arsenal are braced for Manchester United to be fired up by the arrival of Ruben Amorim when they welcome them to Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners are favourites going into the their showdown with Manchester United and climbed to second in the Premier League table after beating West Ham 5-2 last weekend.
Havertz, however, believes he and his team-mates need to be wary of United being buoyed by the new-manager bounce of Amorim’s arrival.
United are unbeaten in all three of their games since Amorim was hired last month to replace Erik ten Hag and are looking for their first major scalp of his era.
“For sure, I think we know that when a new manager comes, it changes a lot and I think the players are excited as well,” said Havertz.
“They are going to give everything to show the manager they want to play. So, we have to be ready for that.
“It is always a big game. I think Man United have a big history, Arsenal as well. I think it is going to be a nice game. The Emirates in the evening is always good to play at, so it is going to be good.”
Standard Sport prediction
17:59 , Matt VerriUnited are enjoying life under Amorim so far and though the Portuguese has stated that his side still have a long way to go, the early signs are good with Marcus Rashford, Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund all rediscovering their goalscoring boots.
However, the Gunners have returned to form themselves, Saka and Martin Odegaard in particular, are playing well and home advantage should be enough to keep them in touch with Liverpool.
Arsenal to win, 2-1.
Man United team news
17:53 , Matt VerriManchester United could have Bruno Fernandes and Leny Yoro fit.
There had been concern over the status of the Red Devils’ influential skipper Fernandes after he was seen with ice on his ankle on the bench after coming off during the second half of Sunday’s 4-0 thrashing of Everton at Old Trafford.
However, head coach Ruben Amorim has now dismissed any injury fears over his fellow Portuguese, telling reporters on Monday: “He is fit to play, I see him already in this morning. He is fit to a play, a guy that doesn't need a lot of rest, so he is prepared to play."
Yoro, meanwhile, has been steadily building up his fitness at Carrington over recent weeks and surely won’t start here, though is thought to have joined up with the squad for the trip to London.
"Maybe Leny Yoro is going to be in the squad," Amorim said. "I felt that he is in a good moment now, his fitness is better, so I think he's going to be in the squad.”
United will not have either Lisandro Martinez or Kobbie Mainoo available against Arsenal, after both players were cautioned for the fifth time this season against Everton on Sunday, leading to an automatic one-match ban.
Predicted Manchester United XI (3-4-2-1): Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Maguire; Amad, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dalot; Fernandes, Rashford; Zirkzee
Arsenal team news
17:46 , Matt VerriArsenal have a number of doubts of key players heading into tonight’s clash.
The Gunners were without Mikel Merino, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Thomas Partey for Saturday’s win at West Ham, while Gabriel was forced off at half-time.
Manager Mikel Arteta was coy when updating reporters on his players during Tuesday’s pre-match press conference.
“We’re gonna have a meeting this afternoon,” he said. “We have done a training session.
“We monitored and kept some players away from certain activities. After that meeting I will decide which ones are fit and available and who will start. They all want to play.”
Gabriel Martinelli could come back into the side on the left flank, though, in place of Leandro Trossard.
If fit, Partey may return at the base of midfield - although Jorginho excelled in his absence against West Ham.
Predicted Arsenal XI (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli
How to watch Arsenal vs Man United
17:39 , Matt VerriTV channel: The game will be broadcast live on Amazon Prime Video. Coverage starts at 6:30pm GMT.
Live stream: The Amazon Prime Video website and app will offer subscribers a live stream online.
Live blog: You can follow all the action right here, with expert analysis from Simon Collings and Dan Kilpatrick at the Emirates.
Free highlights: In the UK, Match of the Day broadcasts on BBC One at 10:40pm GMT on Wednesday night.
Good evening!
17:33 , Matt VerriHello and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Arsenal vs Manchester United!
It’s a massive game in north London, as the Gunners look to avoid falling further behind in the title race and United attempt to extend their unbeaten run under Ruben Amorim.
We’ll have all the latest updates, build-up and team news ahead of kick-off, which comes at 8:15pm GMT from the Emirates Stadium. Stick with us!
