Premier League: A Clash of Big Guns Without the Big Prize at Stake

Manchester United vs Arsenal

Remember when this was THE game in the Premier League?!

It doesn’t seem too that long ago in many ways and it was the only the season before last when I suggested that both clubs were once more heading in the right direction.

As far as this SBOTOP writer is concerned that remained the case until a few months ago as United won back-to-back domestic cups and Arsenal sealed back-to-back runner-up finishes in the league.

As far as English football’s top prize is concerned, though, it has been some time since both sides went head-to-head in the title race.

So, what Premier League 2025 highlights can frustrated followers of either club expect as they prepare to meet at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.

 

Talking Points  

The reality is that, right now, United are nowhere near it and last Sunday’s FA Cup defeat to Fulham was a prime case – a same old sorry tale of trying to get to grips with a new system which meant they were a liability at the back and toothless in the final third.

And with only seven players on the bench, most of whom were middling or young prospects, it was a tale of mid-table mediocrity to put it kindly.

At least Arsenal have a genuine reason for falling out of contention with autumnal absences in defence and injuries to attacking players since the turn of the year not helping their cause.

Their reality though is that, they failed to strengthen in January when they needed to and, while the Gunners are on course for a third successive year in the number two spot, they are seemingly too far adrift to mount a genuine title charge.

It was January 12 when Gabriel Jesus was ruled out for the season and the club had virtually three weeks to delve into the transfer market to strengthen a squad already missing arguably their best attacking talent in Bukayo Saka.

Still, they had a glimmer of hope in the title race going into the weekend only for a surprise defeat at home to West Ham a fortnight ago to completely quash any momentum.

Both teams were in European action in midweek when my suggestion that Arsenal need a frontman seemed laughable when you consider their 7-1 demolition of PSV Eindhoven in isolation.

They all but booked their place in the Champions League quarter-finals with a romp in Holland in which six different players were on the scoresheet.

Yet it has been their failure to score in tight league matches which has cost them domestically to the degree that Europe appears their only chance of ending a four and a half year trophy drought.

United went six years without silverware until Erik Ten Hag came in and, like Arsenal, Europe remains their only route to glory this season.

The Red Devils were in Spain on Thursday night for a Europa League tie with Real Sociedad when they failed to convert chances and were left hanging on for a 1-1 first leg draw.

 

History 

The two clubs have faced each other 243 times in total. United have won 102 to Arsenal’s 90 and 50 matches have ended in a draw.

As it stands, United have won just three of the last 14 meetings and only one of the last five league meetings, a 3-1 victory which saw Antony net a debut goal before two quick fire Marcus Rashford strikes won the game.

Both men are on loan now, of course, and didn’t feature in January’s FA Cup triumph when the holders showed real character, playing more than an hour with 10 men yet drawing 1-1 at the Emirates and triumphing in a penalty shoot-out.

Earlier this season, second half goals from defenders Jurrien Timber and William Saliba won the game 2-0 for the Gunners.

The Gunners have lost 18 Premier League matches away to United, more than against any other opponent.

Indeed, Arsenal have only won twice in the Premier League at Old Trafford in their past 17 visits.

 

Betting Tip 

It’s been a while since United were so less fancied at home.

While Arsenal are on offer 1X2 @ 1.87 and Asian Handicap -0.75 @ 2.14, it’s a different proposition for the hosts Premier League 2025 betting odds.

If Ruben Amorim can guide his men to a second win over the Gunners in as many months, then the pay day awaiting includes 1X2 @ 3.87 and Asian Handicap +0.50 @ 2.03.

With United’s league season long over and Arsenal out of the title race, the March 2025 version of this fixture is a far cry from what it has been.

   

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