AFP
It is always a momentous occasion whenever Arsenal and Manchester United clash, given the intense rivalry the two clubs have shared during the Premier League era of English football.
But when they meet again at Emirates Stadium this weekend, it will not be two veteran managers helming the teams, with Arsene Wenger and Alex Ferguson being familiar figures amid the longstanding rivalry.
No, it would instead be two young leaders who have survived calls for their heads earlier this season, and have somehow emerged with their reputations enhanced.
As recently as last month, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was cutting a frustrated figure on the sidelines as the Gunners stumbled badly, going almost two months without a league victory as they tumbled down into 15th place.
Many were critical of the Spaniard’s managerial nous, and doubted if the rookie could rouse his sputtering team out of their long-term malaise.
Then, just as suddenly as their form slumped, Arsenal were revived, winning five of their last six league games to claw back to eighth spot, easing any fears of battling to avoid relegation.
Amid this revival, Arteta has decided to put more faith on younger players, hoping they are hungrier and more receptive to his tactics than the jaded veterans in the Gunners squad. It has paid off handsomely, and Arteta could feel a little buoyant as he prepares to face Man United to continue their fine form.
His counterpart at the Red Devils, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, also endured intense criticism early in the season, especially after a chastening 1-6 defeat by Tottenham at Old Trafford in their third league game.
Yet the Norwegian refused to be cowed, buckled down even as key midfielder Paul Pogba tried to seek a move from the English giants, and has now overseen a spectacular 13-match unbeaten run that has lifted Man United to second place behind Manchester City.
A shock 1-2 defeat by bottom-placed Sheffield United on Wednesday has put a dampener on United’s optimism of a strong title challenge, but it is nevertheless a fine achievement by Solskjaer to ignore the brickbats from pundits and fans, and persist in improving his squad’s performance.
He will want his players to respond after Wednesday’s embarrassing defeat, and should put out a strong squad to tackle Arsenal at Emirates. Yet, the Gunners should also have no fear of the Red Devils, especially after a sparkling 3-1 win away at Southampton on Tuesday.
It should be a rip-roaring clash between the two long-time rivals, and both managers deserve all the credit for lifting their sides out of poor runs and still be standing stoically at the sidelines, still in charge of the proceedings.
