Greg . 2 days ago

The data behind Sunday's Premier League clash between Manchester United and Arsenal

Manchester United vs Arsenal used to be one of the Premier League's classic fixtures, full of blood and thunder and players who would go through brick walls for the three points.

Both clubs vied for the title and other domestic and European honours in their pomp under Messrs.

Ferguson and Wenger.

However, it's fair to say that this particular match-up has lost its lustre over recent seasons and those halcyon days have long since passed.

For the Red Devils, a 15th place finish in the 2024/25 season was their worst in the Premier League and not since 1974 when they were relegated - due in part to former player Denis Law's infamous back-heel goal for rivals Manchester City - had United performed so poorly.

Despite this and to manager Ruben Amorim's credit, the Portuguese has not sought to hide or make excuses other than to suggest that one or two signings in key positions could change the club's fortunes.

Gyokeres' return with AmorimOne of those may have been expected to be Sporting's Viktor Gyokeres, a player who had truly made his mark under Amorim in two trophy-laden seasons.

His 97 goals in 102 games in all competitions was always going to see a transfer to one of Europe's premier teams, though it was Arsenal - who had long been tailing Benjamin Sesko - who acquired his signature.

Viktor Gyokeres - xG for Sporting in the Primeira Liga 2024/25Opta by Stats PerformAn odd footnote to the story is Sesko will now be lining up for United of course, and his 39 goals and eight assists in 87 performances for RB Leipzig is also an elite level return.

A straight shoot-out between the pair in Sunday's clash might well determine the outcome on the day, and their abilities in front of goal could also be a major factor in how well each team does this season.

Benjamin Sesko - Attacking carries for RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga 2024/25Opta by Stats PerformSesko's routine for getting in the zone for games may surprise many too.

“I meditate at least once a day and take deliberate breaks to rest,” he said in a previous interview.

“I read books on the subject and try new exercises.

For me, it’s just as important as training with the team or in the gym.

”Both clubs have strengthened significantly this summerMikel Arteta's side have finished second in the past three Premier League campaigns, just coming up short on each occasion.

Winning the title in this of all seasons, their 100th consecutive campaign in the English top-flight - more than any other team - would be an apt way to mark such an occasion.

Consistently finishing as runners-up perhaps explains why the north Londoners have hit the transfer market hard this summer too.

Along with Gyokeres, the Spaniard has added Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera, Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga, whilst United have supplemented Sesko's capture with those of Bryan Mbuemo, Mathues Cunha and Diego Leon.

Three years since Man United have beaten Arsenal at Old TraffordIt's been almost three years since the Red Devils last won against the Gunners at Old Trafford, and that came via a 3-1 victory in September 2022 in a match that saw Arsenal's Gabriel Jesus sustain an injury from which he's still recovering.

As such, he isn't available for selection.

For United, keeper Andre Onana looks likely to miss out as he struggles to recover from a pre-season knock, and if he's unable to feature, Altay Bayindir will deputise.

 The only game United have won against the Gunners in the six fixtures since the victory in 2022 was the FA Cup tie at the Emirates in January.

They've lost four out of the last five in the Premier League too, with Arsenal scoring at least twice in three of those games.

An omen for the home support is that on the only other occasion these two Premier League behemoths have met on the opening day of the season at Old Trafford (1989/90), United triumphed 4-1.

Arsenal unbeaten in their last 14 away gamesArteta won't be dwelling on the past but he can be happy in the knowledge that his side are unbeaten in their last 14 away matches (W7, D7) dating back to November last year, and have scored 14 goals on their last 11 visits to the Theatre of Dreams.

Arsenal have won five of their last six opening day fixtures - including the last three - but United are actually the team with the most opening day wins (22), whilst they also have the best win rate for the first fixture of the league season (67%).

The Red Devils have lost only two of the last 18 Premier League home games against Arsenal with both coming under Arteta's stewardship, and if they were to emerge victorious on Sunday, they would become the first club in English football record to beat the Gunners 100 times.

United would have also managed back-to-back wins thanks to their final day triumph last season against Aston Villa, after being unable to manage two consecutive victories throughout the 2024/25 campaign under both Erik ten Hag and Amorim.

Jason PettigroveBetopick