Arsenal vs. Manchester United: Key battles

Robin van Persie celebrates scoring against Arsenal earlier in the season

Both Arsenal and Manchester United are in a state of shell shock following the events of the latest round of Premier League matches.

The Gunners will go into the clash at the Emirates off the back of a 5-1 defeat at the hands of Liverpool, who were 4-0 up against their title rivals within the first 20 minutes on Saturday. Meanwhile, United were held to a 2-2 draw against Fulham, having conceded to a Darren Bent equaliser in the fifth minute of second half stoppage time. If an Arsenal v Man Utd match needed any added spice, it certainly attained some at the weekend as both sides are now in desperate need of a victory.

This game certainly hasn’t disappointed down the years but with United stranded in seventh place in the Premier League, it definitely doesn’t take on the same importance that it usually does, in terms of the title race. However, with the Red Devils eager to salvage some pride and Arsenal looking to prove they are serious title challengers, it is sure to be a feisty affair on Wednesday night. Here are three key individual battles that could decide this clash.

Mesut Ozil v Wayne Rooney

Despite the acquisition of Juan Mata, Rooney continues to hold down the role in-behind the striker in United’s side and his duel against Arsenal’s chief creator, Mesut Ozil, could well decide who claims the spoils here. Both Ozil and Rooney have made 20 appearances in the league this season, with the German (619) recording the highest Performance Score of the pair. He has also created more chances for his teammates than Rooney, making 48 key passes compared to Rooney’s 34. As you’d expect, the United man has out-scored Ozil, scoring nine times in the league.

However, Ozil has been off the boil somewhat recently, rarely being able to influence games the way he was when he first moved to England and was almost anonymous against Liverpool. Rooney has also failed to find his best form since his return from injury. The final outcome of this match could well be decided by which key player can silence their critics and produce a moment of magic.

Santi Cazorla v Rafael

United right-back Rafael has had a troubled time under David Moyes having impressed throughout last season. With rumours rife that he will be forced out in the summer, the Brazilian needs to show that he is good enough to play for United after an extremely underwhelming display against Fulham. His defensive capabilities have come under particular scrutiny, after being skinned several times on the counter attack on Sunday. Rafael has won just 21 tackles all season, completing just six defensive actions per game which is less than all his fellow United defenders.

Rafael’s defensive stats

Rafael will have to cope with Arsenal’s in-form Spaniard Santi Cazorla, who has come into his own in recent weeks. He tends to drift inside off his wing to link play in the centre as proven by the fact 58.8% of his 34 created chances have taken place in central areas of the pitch. If Rafael and United’s midfield can stifle Cazorla’s threat, they will have a much greater chance of taking something away from the Emirates.

Santi Cazorla and his attacking efficiency

Laurent Koscielny v Robin van Persie

United’s awful form hasn’t stopped Van Persie scoring goals since his return from a lengthy lay-off. The Dutchman has three goals in his last three appearances and has racked up 10 goals in 14 league appearances this season. He also has a fantastic record against Arsenal, scoring in every league game he has played against his former employers since his move to Old Trafford last summer.

Robin van Persie: Prolific in front of goal

Van Persie’s record means that Laurent Koscielny has a huge task on his hands to stop his former teammate from scoring on Wednesday. The Frenchman has formed a superb partnership with Per Mertesacker this season. The duo have racked up the two highest Performance Scores in the Arsenal squad this season. Koscielny averages a total of 11 defensive actions per game and has won 53% of his total duels this season.