Arsenal winning against Manchester United isn’t that rare but facing them is never a walk in the park… well almost never.
Since Woolwich Arsenal and Newton Heath first played each other in October 1894, we’ve won 82 games to the Red Devils’ 96. We’ve only drawn 47.
When Arsene Wenger came to north London in 1996, the Frenchman found it hard to beat our Premier League rivals and has gone on to lose 25 out of 56 clashes, winning only 18. They’re definitely been an Achilles heel, which was only made weaker when Jose Mourinho moved up north.
The former Chelsea coach has only lost twice to Wenger. Although one of those was last time we faced each other in May at the Emirates. We won that match comfortably with goals from Granit Xhaka and former Red Devil, Danny Welbeck.
Let’s hope for a repeat performance on Saturday.
Here, in no particular order, are some more of Arsenal’s other best wins against United.
March 2015: 1-2
Despite winning the FA Cup the previous season, most Gooners weren’t feeling too optimistic when we were drawn against United in the sixth round in 2014/15. Especially as it was set to take place at Old Trafford.
However, an early goal from Nacho Monreal gave the Gunners the lead and despite Wayne Rooney leveling the score four minutes later, Danny Welbeck netted Arsenal’s second after the hour-mark. Even the former United striker couldn’t contain his celebration.
Off to Wembley we went.
April 1978: 3-1
A superb goal from Liam Brady and a brace from Malcolm MacDonald saw the Gunners cruise to a 3-1 victory at Highbury. Although the rivalry between the two clubs was yet to reach it’s peak, Brady’s goal was something else.
November 1997: 3-2
Arsenal managed to close the gap on United at the top to just one point with a five-goal thriller at Highbury.
Goals from Nicholas Anelka and David Platt, as well as a worldie from Patrick Vieira, canceled out Teddy Sheringham’s brace and resulted in a well-fought three points.
October 2000: 1-0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qy5iZh86e4
Although 1-0 doesn’t sound like the most amazing of victories, Thierry Henry’s goal has to be seen to be believed.
May 2005: 5-2 penalties
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1J5TK5lg4Bo&t=
With Chelsea winning the title that season, United and Arsenal had everything to play for at the FA Cup final in Cardiff.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s men were the better team but the Gunners managed to hold them to a draw and force the final to penalties.
Jens Lehmann saved Paul Scholes’ spot-kick and Arsenal win 5-4 despite not deserving to win at all. Beautiful.
September 2006: 0-1
Victories at Old Trafford don’t happen often, which is why Emmanuel Adebayor’s brilliant late goal 11 years ago meant so much.
October 2015: 3-0
When Arsenal beat United 3-0 at the Emirates two years ago, it was the first time in a long time they’d looked vulnerable against us. Fergie had gone and the Red Devils were in limbo. It was pretty special to watch Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez tear them apart.