Arsenal bid to slow Man Utd juggernaut

Mar 10, 2019

Arsenal have flown under the radar in recent weeks but have quietly been going about their business as they battle for a return to the Champions League

Arsenal host Manchester United in the Premier League this weekend in a game that could have a major bearing on who secures a coveted Champions League spot for next season.

Third-placed Tottenham, now realistically out of the title race, are just five points clear of sixth-placed Chelsea as the finishing line comes into sight.

We pick out some of the main talking points ahead of Sunday's massive clash.

Arsenal's last big test?

Arsenal have flown under the radar in recent weeks but have quietly been going about their business as they battle for a return to the Champions League after two seasons away from Europe's top table.

Unai Emery's men missed out on returning to the top four after Aubameyang saw his late penalty saved by Hugo Lloris in last week's north London derby draw against Tottenham.

rsenals coach nai mery  hotoArsenal's coach Unai Emery. AFP Photo

 

But after their home game against Manchester United on Sunday, the fixture list looks kind, with none of the top six sides left to play.

For all Arsenal's inconsistency this season, the latest wobble a 3-1 Europa League defeat at Rennes, a return to the Champions League next season would be proof of progress in the post-Arsene Wenger era.

Lethal Lukaku 

Romelu Lukaku appeared to be one of the fall guys under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as the Norwegian interim boss quickly made it clear that Marcus Rashford was his first choice up front.

Critics pointed to a heavy first touch and the fact he was carrying too much bulk.

A nine-game barren run appeared to justify the decision but the Belgian, taking advantage of a spate of injuries to United's forwards, has now turned his season around with six goals in three games.

Lukaku has improved his shot conversion rate under Solskjaer and has given United an extra goal threat, either down the right or in the middle.

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