Welcome to the blog's new feature called 'Rival Rendezvous' in which we talk to fans of rival clubs regarding pre-match thoughts, their perspective on United & everything else! In the first edition, we start off with three Arsenal fans - Akhil Vyas & Tejaswi of the Arsenal FC blog '11 Gunners' plus another Arsenal FC fan & blogger Amreen...
1. Starting off, what are your pre-match thoughts on Man United vs. Arsenal? Last season, you guys ran us really close at Old Trafford...
11 Gunners: Yeah feeling quite positive, we were outstanding at OT last year but conceded two very silly goals when Almunia was accused of bringing down Rooney and Diaby's OG; so we are confident plus our away record is the best in the league at the moment.
Amreen: We sure did, and I think it's gonna be a close one this time too. We've matured since the last time we faced you'll and it is going to be a much tougher competition this time. Our players have grown and Manchester United no longer remains an intimidating team for us. I'm sure we can face you guys head on, and probably win too :P
2. Who do you think will prove to be the most important Gunner this season?
11G: Well Sammy Nasri is the man on another level at the moment. His playing with freedom and has been
amazing this season so far. He is certainly the key man at the moment but it would nice to see Cesc Fabregas and Tommy Vermaelen back to full fitness too as they are massive parts of our team.
A: Samir Nasri is in peak form, so naturally one expects a lot from him especially since Fabregas isn't around. It was Theo Walcott who stole the limelight last season, I guess it's Jack Wilshere's time now!
3. Arsenal scraped through the Champions League group stages despite scoring so many goals. In addition, Arsenal has lost to West Brom, Spurs & Newcastle at home in the league. Do you think that the defence is at fault apart from the goalkeeper issue?
11G: When you win, they say the team won but when you lose, they blame someone. I think the entire team was at fault. Against WBA and Newcastle, the offensive side of the team were not playing well either and we were very flat. Defeats happen as the league has shown. Others are dropping a lot of points too. I think Fabianski has done well since coming in.
A: We tend to misjudge our opponents at times and take them very lightly, and that's when they strike. Fabianski has improved over the past games, but there's still a lot of homework for him to do.
4. Favourite United vs. Arsenal game?
11G: Season 97/98 when Overmars scored the winner comes close but it has to be when we won the league there in 2002 when Wiltord got the goal.
To win the title at Old Trafford was very special. It was after 4 years of not winning the league and to beat the champions in their own back yard meant a lot. To go to Old Trafford without Henry and Bergkamp our main strikers and Tony Adams our captain and best CB were all out, yet we still won. The game was played a few days after the Cup final too, whereas Utd had a big rest. To complete the double was vital and was a great end for Adams and Dixon who retired that season.
A: May 2009, Arsenal 0-0 Manchester United; played at Old Trafford
5. Favourite Arsenal player of all time (vs United)?
11G: Patrick Vieira. Played with great heart and played for the shirt. Watching Vieira and Keane was a highlight of that era and the way they both defended their team was stuff legends are made of.
A: Thierry Henry and Gael Clichy.
6. Who will win the title this season (if not Arsenal)?
11G: Arsenal!
A: Manchester United :D
7. And on a final note, what's your score-line prediction for the Monday night game?
11G: Arsenal to win 2-1. C’mon you Arsenal!
A: Arsenal 3 Manchester United 2
I thank Akhil Vyas (Intern, The Mirror, UK) & Tejaswi for 11Gunners (India’s first blog on Arsenal FC!) and Amreen (Bloggerani) for talking to Traffordshire County for this special blog feature.
I'd like to tell the readers of Traffordshire County that we have completed 1000 pageviews in less than 2 months! I, as the author of this blog, would like to thank our readers for their love & support... Hope it continues in the times to come!
That's all Folks!
Yours,
CJ
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