The rivalry between Manchester United and Arsenal isn’t as intense as it once was. Perhaps that’s largely because the Red Devils are less of a threat to the Gunners in this day and age, as their struggles in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era continue.
Now on their sixth permanent manager since the legendary Scot left Old Trafford over a decade ago, with Ruben Amorim replacing the sacked Erik ten Hag at the helm, there’s a fresh glimmer of hope for the Man United faithful.
The Portuguese boss, who made a name for himself at Sporting Lisbon and reportedly turned down Liverpool and West Ham United in the summer, has his work cut out at the ‘Theatre of Dreams’. One of his first major tasks is overseeing Man United travel to Arsenal on December 4.
The Red Devils have won just one of their last eight trips to the Emirates, and Mikel Arteta’s side will likely be the favourites in the Arsenal vs Man United odds. However, the visitors could endure a new manager bounce under Amorim and can’t be ruled out.
With the tie on a knife edge, as the Gunners look to claw back some ground in the title race while Man United look to climb back up the table under their new boss, let’s take a look back at some of the unforgettable moments this great rivalry has produced in the Premier League era.
“Battle of the Buffet” – 2004
This clash between the sides in October 2004 is famous for a couple of reasons. Firstly, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Wayne Rooney scored to guide Man United to a 2-0 win, ending Arsenal’s 49-match unbeaten run.
However, disgruntled by their loss, the Gunners’ players and staff lost their tempers, and a brawl ensued off the pitch—which resulted in Ferguson being hit with a slice of pizza. Cesc Fabregas, who was just 17 at the time, admitted to the incident 13 years later on A League of Their Own.
“Battle of Old Trafford” – 2003
Little more than 12 months earlier, a game unfolded that would be dubbed the “Battle of Old Trafford,” as a goalless draw in the northwest helped Arsenal move one step closer to their iconic Invincibles campaign.
It was an unpleasant affair, and referee Steve Bennett had his work cut out. Both sides committed a large number of fouls and received their fair share of bookings, including a red card for Arsenal captain Patrick Viera after he lashed out at Van Nistelrooy.
However, the fixture is best remembered for the recent Man United caretaker manager’s late penalty miss. Granted the opportunity to end Arsenal’s quest for an unbeaten season, the Dutchman hit the bar. Richard Keown celebrating frantically in his face afterward is still shown time and again today.
Roy Keane and Patrick Viera’s tunnel clash – 2005
‘Pizza Gate’ isn’t the only infamous off-pitch incident between the two sides during this period, as Premier League hardmen Roy Keane and Patrick Viera had a memorable bust-up in the Highbury tunnel before this clash in 2005.
Keane was infuriated to discover that the Arsenal captain had been ‘picking’ on Man United right-back Gary Neville after the warm-ups and had to be held back by Viera while screaming “I’ll see you out there”.
The Frenchman’s tactics to get underneath the opposition’s skin before the game even kicked off didn’t work as he might’ve hoped, as Keane and co. had the last laugh with a 4-2 win—in which Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice.
Manchester United 8-2 Arsenal – 2011
One of the most memorable matches in Premier League history, those who had a football bet on this game were left stunned when Ferguson’s side thrashed Wenger’s Gunners 8-2 at Old Trafford in 2011.
Former Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck, Ashley Young, and Rooney gave the hosts a 3-0 lead after 41 minutes, with Walcott grabbing one back for the visitors on the brink of half-time.
Rooney went on to complete a hat-trick in the second half, alongside goals from Nani and Park Ji-Sung.
Robin Van Persie’s strike in the 74th minute did little to soften the blow as Arsenal suffered their worst top-flight defeat in 84 years.
Robin van Persie nets again against Arsenal – 2013
Van Persie’s controversial switch to Man United in August 2012 ruffled feathers in north London, and the former Gunners captain rubbed salt in the wounds by scoring in three successive Premier League games against his former side.
This goal wasn’t the best of those three strikes, but the forward silenced the Emirates boo-boys with a penalty late in the first half—cancelling out Theo Walcott’s early opener. The game ended 1-1.
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