EPL Preview: Arteta eyes landmark win as Arsenal face struggling Man United

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is set to mark a significant milestone in his managerial career as he takes charge of his 200th Premier League match against Manchester United at 5:30 pm (Nigerian time) on Sunday.

With high stakes, Arteta will be aiming to secure back-to-back wins at Old Trafford for the first time since 1979 and make history by becoming the first team to win five consecutive matches against the Red Devils in Premier League history.

The match at Old Trafford presents Arteta with an opportunity to add another achievement to his managerial career, following Arsenal’s emphatic 7-1 victory over PSV Eindhoven in midweek.

Meanwhile, United will be looking to recover from a difficult period.

Despite securing a 1-1 draw against Real Sociedad in the Europa League, Ruben Amorim’s side has struggled domestically, languishing in mid-table after a turbulent start to the season.

Arteta’s 200th Premier League game

For Arteta, Sunday’s trip to Manchester United is not only about securing three points but also about celebrating his 200th Premier League match as Arsenal’s head coach.

The Spaniard will join an elite group of managers to reach this milestone, becoming only the 13th to do so with a single club.

With 118 wins from his first 199 matches — the fifth-most victories by any manager in their first 200 Premier League games — Arteta has firmly established himself as one of the most successful managers of his generation.

He trails only Pep Guardiola, José Mourinho, Jürgen Klopp, and Sir Alex Ferguson in terms of win percentage over the first 200 matches.

“I’m very proud of reaching this milestone, but it’s about the future now,” Arteta said.

“We’re only focused on what we can achieve today and how we can prepare for the next challenge. United will always be a tough opponent, but we’re ready.”

United’s troubles: Amorim seeks answers

In contrast to Arteta’s success, Manchester United remain in turmoil. With Ruben Amorim now in charge following Erik ten Hag’s dismissal, the Red Devils are struggling for consistency.

After a 3-2 victory over Ipswich Town, they were knocked out of the FA Cup by Fulham and held to a draw by Sociedad.

Their struggles are evident, with their current 14th-place position highlighting their poor form this season.

“We have to survive Sunday,” Amorim admitted ahead of the match.

“It’s always a problem when we don’t win, so we have to focus on everything at the same time. I believe the Premier League is the hardest competition, especially after playing in Europe. It’s exhausting, and we need a better rhythm.”

With defensive vulnerabilities and inconsistent performances, United face a tough test against an in-form Arsenal side.

Injury concerns: Who’s missing for both teams?

On the injury front, Arsenal’s squad remains largely intact after their midweek victory.

However, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, and Takehiro Tomiyasu remain sidelined, though Myles Lewis-Skelly has returned from suspension.

Arteta will be hoping these absences do not disrupt his team’s momentum as Arsenal continue their push for the Premier League title.

United, however, are dealing with an extensive injury list.

Alongside the absence of Amad Diallo and Kobbie Mainoo, the Red Devils are also without Mason Mount, Jonny Evans, Luke Shaw, and long-term absentee Lisandro Martínez.

Amorim will also be without backup goalkeepers Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaton, forcing United to rely on their remaining available players.

Referee Anthony Taylor in the spotlight

The match will be officiated by Anthony Taylor, one of the Premier League’s most experienced referees.

This will be his fourth Arsenal game of the season, and his presence has often sparked debate. Taylor was involved in a controversial penalty decision during Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Brighton in January.

Taylor has officiated two of Arsenal’s last four victories over United, and his role will be crucial in this highly anticipated encounter.

Assisting Taylor will be Gary Beswick and Adam Nunn, with Darren Bond serving as the fourth official.

VAR duties will be handled by Paul Tierney, with Tim Wood assisting.

Given the high stakes of the match, the consistency and clarity of officiating will be vital.

Tactical breakdown: Can United halt Arsenal’s momentum?

Despite their struggles, United still possess game-changing players. Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho remain their biggest attacking threats.

Arsenal must remain vigilant, as United have been known to improve in the second half of matches.

Arsenal are likely to exploit United’s vulnerability from set pieces, an area where the Red Devils have conceded the most goals in the Premier League this season.

For Arsenal, the key will be to apply pressure from the first whistle. Recent trends suggest United are slow starters, having scored just three first-half goals in their last 20 matches.

Former footballer and pundit Adrian Clarke highlighted that Arsenal need to put United on the back foot early and capitalise on their defensive frailties.

Facts & stats: A dominant Arsenal record

Arsenal enter this fixture with an excellent recent record against United.

The Gunners have won their last four Premier League meetings with the Red Devils, the longest losing streak United have ever endured against them in league history.

Additionally, Arsenal have scored in each of their last 10 Premier League visits to Old Trafford, a significant achievement given their historically tough outings at the stadium.

Meanwhile, United’s form against top-six teams has been poor.

They have won just one of their last eight home matches against teams above them in the table and have yet to secure consecutive league victories this season.