Ruud van Nistelrooy isn't expecting the warmest of welcomes when he takes his PSV Eindhoven side to the Emirates Stadium tonight (Thursday). The Eredivisie side make the trip to north London, knowing a win would take them above Arsenal in their Europa League group.
Of course, van Nistelrooy isn't the most liked figure among Gunners fans for the part he played in the 'Battle of Old Trafford' when Manchester United faced Arsenal in September 2003. The former United striker saw a late penalty cannon off the crossbar as the game finished goalless.
If it had gone in, then Arsenal wouldn't have gone the whole season unbeaten, but that was the closest they came to being defeated in the Premier League that campaign. After he missed the penalty, Martin Keown famously taunted van Nistelrooy.
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However, the striker did score for United as they halted Arsenal's unbeaten record at 49 games. The Dutchman and Wayne Rooney were on target as Sir Alex Ferguson's side beat the Gunners 2-0 at Old Trafford.
"In general if I look back on my time in England, coming to London, coming to Arsenal - memories come back of my time there," said van Nistelrooy ahead of the Europa League clash.
"The famous games, or infamous games might be better said, but it was famous in that period. There are many memories and when you arrive at Arsenal, the games we played at Highbury and Old Trafford are crossing the mind.
"Of course, I had the penalty miss. This is why I expect a warm welcome - I kept them invincible!"
Arsenal will qualify from their Europa League group if they defeat PSV. Van Nistelrooy believes coming up against the Gunners is the toughest test they could currently face against any team in Europe.
He said: "They've had a great start. 10 games into the season with nine wins, it's an amazing start for them. The way they're playing, the way [Mikel] Arteta is developing his team, the style of play is very well done with a very young side and a promising team which is a joy to watch.
"For my team, this is the biggest test we can face of any team in Europe, maybe. It's a Champions League worthy game and a big test for us."
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