#game preview

The Premier League is back, and we’re kicking things off with a rivalry bigger than Lizzo.

Not the North West London Derby with Chelsea, not the North London Derby against the Lilywhites, and certainly not the Mickey Mouse feud with the Irons. No — this derby is colossal. Massive like The Notorious B.I.G.

This is the stuff dreams are made of. Growing up, United were our de-facto rivals — the ones we measured ourselves against. The bitter duels between Ferguson and Wenger, Vieira and Keane going head-to-head in the old Highbury tunnel… this was the lifeblood of the Premier League in its golden years.

As José once put it, this was, and is still “football heritage.”

No matter how bad we’ve been, or how bad they are now, this fixture still pulls massive crowds. No matter how dreadful our form, we always rise for this one.

And remember Mikel’s first win as Arsenal manager? A 2-0 triumph at the Emirates when we were in a horrid run of form. Proof that form doesn’t matter. Player quality doesn’t matter. What matters here is the fight.

Now, let’s get back to the preview.

Manchester United

Image: Amorim and new signing Cunha. Image credits: ESPN.

Manchester United in recent years have been in absolute free fall. No longer the powerhouse they once were under Fergie, no longer the tactically disciplined side under Van Gaal, not even the defensively solid outfit Mourinho built for a brief spell. Instead, they’ve been downright dreadful — last season’s tally of 18 losses and just 42 points says it all.

But as the old saying goes, “A wounded animal is the most dangerous.”

Let’s not kid ourselves — this United squad has far too much quality to be languishing in 15th. I fully expect them to finish well above mid-table this season. Players like Leny Yoro, Kobbie Mainoo, and Amad Diallo are primed for big campaigns, while new arrivals Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Šeško should inject much-needed firepower into what was a misfiring attack.

Image: Cunha, Mbuemo and Sesko. Image credits: ESPN.

Manchester United will be coming for blood, and I expect them to throw absolutely everything at us. They’re one of those teams that don’t just play the game—they play the occasion. That’s why, even in their worst periods, they’ve still managed to lift trophies and snatch wins against title challengers like Liverpool and City. Their academy recruits understand what it means to face Arsenal; to quote Trent Alexander-Arnold: “It means more.”

For this storied fixture, the mancunians always step up just a notch. In our recent meetings, Rashford unleashed an absolute worldie from outside the box past Ramsdale, Bruno provided a couple of incisive assists, and Mainoo commanded the midfield against players far more experienced than him.

Also, think about it—they have nothing to lose and everything to gain from this clash. Any scraps they get? Bonus points. They’re expected to lose anyway. But the same cannot be said for us: we are the better team, with superior players and a more experienced manager. A loss here would send shockwaves through the fanbase, and the dreaded “season over” panic will be hitting hard in Game Week 1.

In short: we have to win.

What to Watch For

Image: Gyokeres and Amorim. Image credits: ESPN.

The Victor Gyokeres Derby: Remember this link-up? Amorim was left red-faced when his prized signing at Sporting chose not to rekindle their connection, despite countless calls and a drawn-out transfer window. As if the stakes weren’t high enough already, Gyökeres gives them yet another reason to rise for this clash.

Firepower vs Fortitude: United's revamped front 3 will be a handful. Expect physical, direct football. Arsenal's answer? The comfort and control of Rice, Ødegaard, and Zubimendi in midfield to starve them of chances. These midfield sparks will tell the story.

Old Trafford Nerves vs. Gunners Momentum: United are statistically fantastic on opening weekends; they’ve won two-thirds of them. That record ends on Sunday.

Set-Piece Battlefield: Both sides boast aerial threats. One silenced corner or flick could be the decider here: early bellwether for form and composure.

Substitutions: For the love of God, Arteta, make proactive substitutions. If you sense something is off, make the changes early. We need to be proactive, not reactive.

Predictions Manchester United 1 - 3 Arsenal

Image: Gabriel. Image credits: Sky Sports.

I’m plonking my chips on a 3 - 1 gritty away win. Feels bigger than just points — this is a dawn-of-season statement. If we show up with energy, press right, and play with urgency, I’ll be smiling into my Sunday evening like I’ve already seen a glimpse of May’s trophy lift.

This game is massive like Faith Evans. I will not accept anything short of a win against a 15th placed team.

So let’s boss this. We need you Gunners to show up and show out. Likewise fans, and match-goers, lets give the team something to show for.