Why Arsenal have no chance against Man United on Sunday

Friday, January 29th, 2010

Sol Campbell vs Wayne Rooney will be the definitive battle of the biggest game of the season so far, and Rooney will be irresistible. The leg injury suffered by Thomas Vermalaen on Wednesday night at Villa Park will rule him out against the Premier League champions and Campbell will almost certainly have to start the game and play the full 90 minutes.

Arsene Wenger doesn’t have many options when it comes to defensive cover these days. Philippe Senderos has been sent out on loan to Everton until the summer and Johan Djourou has been in and out of the team and is still recovering from a knee operation. Mikael Silvestre? All I can say is United would love to play against him come the weekend.

The only other option is 18-year-old Kyle Bartley, an English centre back who played against Olympiakos last month but is very unlikely to start in such a vital league game.

Campbell has already got 145 minutes of first team football under his belt for Arsenal, including the full 90 minutes against Stoke in which Arsenal were outplayed and out muscled by another strong centre forward, Ricardo Fuller. Campbell has received criticism since his move from MOTD pundit Alan Hansen who stated that he is past it. It’s fair to say Campbell has looked slow and heavy.

Rooney is most definitely not past it. His fitness and mobility remain as sharp as ever and his 21 goals in all competitions this season suggest he will score a couple on Sunday. His vociferous appetite for keeping defenders fully occupied could well be the difference between a win and a thrashing.

Ferguson will most likely leave out the dallying Berbatov and Owen and leave the no-hold barred duelling to Rooney, who is enjoying his best ever season in the Premier League.

Can Wenger afford to risk such an old timer against a predator such as Rooney?

He cannot, but the Arsenal manager has no choice.

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Tagged as: arsenal, arsene wenger, Manchester United, premier league, Sol Campbell, the Emirates

{ 63 comments… read them below or add one }

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Darren January 29, 2010 at 12:52 pm: i think you are very wrong on 2 accounts. Sol Campbell wasn’t out muscled by Ricardo Fuller, Arsenal are favourites and I fully expect them to take at least a point.

United’s midfield is pretty average with no cutting edge what so ever. Song should be back and may even play centre back. Even if Campbell does play he has done nothing wrong in both games. Rooney has been brilliant but has had the odd game when he was totally anonymous!

Arsenal 2 United 1
carlos January 29, 2010 at 12:55 pm: very harsh on Campbell who was magnificent against Villa, outshone only by William Gallas.
KURT January 29, 2010 at 12:55 pm: Div
Mark January 29, 2010 at 12:56 pm: Did Manure scum pay you to write this article?
Darren January 29, 2010 at 12:59 pm: also, Rooney is hardly blessed with pace so why would Sol struggle? If it was Ronaldo then I’d probably agree with you.
Bez January 29, 2010 at 1:01 pm: What a load of rubbish. Proper bollocks, I bet you we play them off the park, just like at old trafford.
rayman January 29, 2010 at 1:04 pm: The reason Man U may win is our lack of strikers – no eduardo, no bendtner, no rvp, leaves arsh, and vela or theo up front probably with rosicky or nasri as the third front man – they have about 6 goals between them all season – absolutely no chance with that front line. If nik is fit to play we have a much better chance.
Newmy January 29, 2010 at 1:09 pm: If we control the midfield with Song/Cesc/Denilson we have a chance! Nasri/Rosicky/Arshavin creating great movement up front, then the late introduction of Ramsey/Theo/Bendtner in the second half to push for the win! Vermealen & Diaby back for the Chel$ki game!
Dragooner January 29, 2010 at 1:09 pm: What?

who writes this shat? two words……

Fabregas.
Song.

Song will smash his away around the Manure midfield whilst Fab dances around an average set of players. Rooney isnt much slimmer than Sol, so I dont see a problem there.

I just hope the useless twins, nani and anderson play……… tweedle de and tweedle dum!
Darren January 29, 2010 at 1:11 pm: Cesc will have a free role as per usual. I fully expect our midfield to totally dominate. The goals will come from the midfield. It’s not a problem.

We’ve been carrying Eduardo for weeks so it’s hardly a loss is it?

Apart from Rooney, who is going to score their goals?
Le_Bob January 29, 2010 at 1:14 pm: Damn! I always thought football was 11 against 11, and now it turns out it’s just a forward against a defender.
Gunner lovein January 29, 2010 at 1:15 pm: The bulldog has been scoring goals for fun. That run has got to end sometime and it will be at the ES.Let’s see how good he is when he is surrounded by two or three gunners breathing down his neck.
I can’t wait for the game to start.
old gunner January 29, 2010 at 1:16 pm: Wenger NEVER signs players who have left, why the exception with Campbell ? Managers rarely have the opportunity to watch new signings in training for three months before they take the player on. Wenger has had this advantageous situation . True enough, Rooney is in fantastic form at the moment, but I would never underestimate Wenger’s judgement given the length time and close proximity of his observation of Campbell.
I would NEVER underestimate United at ANY time, of course they ARE capable of beating Arsenal, but it would be idiotic to suggest that Arsenal are incapable of beating ANY team when they find their form.
United man January 29, 2010 at 1:25 pm: Haha very funny have u gooners oredi 4got what happend in the championz league mate? 3-0? at the emirate united won? ring any bells? we destroyed u with out “average” midfield never seen a home team perform so crappp will win this sunday u watch
dexylongshot January 29, 2010 at 1:25 pm: Blimey, this post has got a few backs up, I’ll think i’ll play safe and go for a 2-2 draw. I might go for a red card as well while i’m at it.

PS: Bez can I have some signed maracas??
Darren January 29, 2010 at 1:29 pm: very insightful comments United Man.

One word and it’s the reason why u lot have huffed, puffed and fluked your way through this season

Ronaldo

Say no more
Devil January 29, 2010 at 1:33 pm: doesnt matter who scores, you’ll get your package on sunday. We, Man Utd will beat the shit out of ya!
Jim January 29, 2010 at 1:37 pm: ‘Huffed puffed and fluked your way through this season’

What a load of cack.

They said we’d crumble without Ronnie and look at us now. Arsenal as always will not last the pace, they just dont’ have the squad and experience. Of course they play great football but its the messy games that win you back to back Premier League titles. Its the bit part players that can win you the league.

No one has ever carried the United TEAM. Ronaldo wasn’t even necessarily replaced was he?

Manchester United will battle it out with Chelsea toward the end of the season, Arsenal as ever will get baby dear leg syndrome and bottle it as they have done year after year. Cesc will leave at the end of the season and you’ll be relying on more kids, when its your Giggsys Scholesys and Van Der Saars who make the team contenders for all competitions!
United man January 29, 2010 at 1:38 pm: @ darren

ronaldo scored that free kick mate thats all he dun what players made the chances rooney park etc etc they did ronaldo finshed it, dont worry i wont do any talk trash let the talk hapen on the pitch but just remebr the 3-0 battering u got at home

say no more.
Jim January 29, 2010 at 1:38 pm: Ohhh and by the way, did we not get 80 FRICKING MILLION QUID FOR RONALDO???? I KNOW WHAT I’D RATHER HAVE!!!!!
Darren January 29, 2010 at 1:43 pm: @ United Man

I think you’ll find he actually scored 2 goals.

I won’t worry about the talk trash, lets let the talk happen. Brilliant!
United man January 29, 2010 at 1:46 pm: yes i no he socred 2 i said he socred the free kick that was his goal he made n then rooney and park set him up for the 2nd as i said in the earlier post ronaldo finshed it off. at i agree with jim arsenal will run out of pace. neway sundays the day were it all goes down.
United man January 29, 2010 at 1:46 pm: scored**
Supportyourlocalteam January 29, 2010 at 2:02 pm: What part of Cornwall are you from United man?
dexylongshot January 29, 2010 at 2:19 pm: Jim
“They said we’d crumble without Ronnie and look at us now”
erm yes, 2nd just 1 point in front of Arsenal and 1 behind Chelsea (who have a game in hand). So yes, look at you now, not winning it are you or is my maths as bad as my typing???

Don’t you think you would have been in a better position with Ronny still there?

I said months ago Man U would suffer without Ronny and I still believe that to be true.
Devil January 29, 2010 at 2:46 pm: @dexylongshot: please dont forget how long our list with injuries in defence was… considering this… i’d be wondering where the rentboys or your team would be with the same problems….. nuff said
Dave January 29, 2010 at 3:04 pm: The deciding factor will be how biased the Ref is towards Arsenal and as they usually get their own way at the “Hemirodes Stadium” then I expect Arsenal to win.
dexylongshot January 29, 2010 at 4:21 pm: “i’d be wondering where the rentboys or your team would be with the same problems”.

My team HAS got the worst injury list in the league, well we did 2 weeks back, i’m used to it. That’s why we have to start with 1 striker for the last 2 games who is 18 and has played less than 140 Premiership minutes. That’s a crisis, re-arranging your formation with internationals worth 10s of Millions is not.
kay January 29, 2010 at 4:37 pm: i really dont understand how my fellow arsenal fans think we have a “sporting” chance when it comes to wining the league, poor form from our title rivals, we have neither the depth or variance of play and attack. People who believe that “sol is the solution” have thier heads stuck in the ground, the group of pacey young forwards will run circles around him..alas we will probably end up winning nuthing once again, but up the gunners!!!
dexylongshot January 29, 2010 at 5:13 pm: *****SORRY BOYS BUT THIS HOT OF THE PRESS*****

TERRY TWO TIMES, DO WE REALLY WANT SCUM AS ENGLAND CAPTAIN.

Big John as just been refused any more covering up by a judge after he has been found out to have been having it off with an unnamed team-mates Doris. What a t8ssbag!

A High Court judge granted some sort of ‘super-injunction’ whatever that is. Here’s what we’ve dug up on the net. Terry won a gagging order stopping the public learning about his alleged swordsmanship but the injunction was lifted a few hours ago.

Mr. Justice Tugendhat said in these quotes:

‘I do not consider that an interim injunction is necessary or proportionate having regard to the level of gravity of the interference with the private life of the applicant that would occur in the event that there is a publication of the fact of the relationship, or that [the applicant] can rely in this case on the interference with the private life of anyone else.

‘I accept that the information sought to be protected is not in the public domain in the sense that there is nothing left to be protected.
‘But the evidence is that there has been wide circulation amongst those involved in the sport in question, including agents and others, and not just amongst those directly engaged in the sport.

‘If the injunction ought otherwise be granted, I would not refuse it on this basis. But the fact that the information has become as widely available to so many people, means that an injunction is less necessary or proportionate than would otherwise be the case.
‘Further, if – as I think likely – the real concern of the applicant in this case is the effect of publication upon the sponsorship business, then damages would be an adequate remedy if Terry succeeds at trial.’

Thank you your Honour!

Big John’s already got previous when it comes messing about with the ladies, not to mention pissing on dance floors, parking in disabled bays and generally being a prick. Daddies’ sauce even had the sauce to call him Dad of The Year in 2008. I bet he’s kids will be really proud like his poor missus Toni Poole. He’s old mans a dealer and his old girl is a tealeaf, not the kind of background anyone in the spotlight would brag about.
Also that advertising nonsense that came out a few months advertising his skills to get a bit more dosh to keep his birds quiet no doubt went something like this”

“‘John Terry is: British sporting hero; England’s football captain; World Cup 2018 ambassador; Football icon; Dad of the year 2008; Voted as one of the World’s most influential (sic) people.’”

I vote that Fabio gives him a dressing down and takes the armband from him, give it someone who is a guaranteed starter and would move Heaven and Earth to win the World Cup. Rooney!

This may sound harsh on John but it’s my opinion, I never wanted him to be England Captain anyway, having it off behind the mother of your kids is bad enough but with a friends bird is the lowest of the low.
sting January 29, 2010 at 5:17 pm: The writer of this article seems to think the only thing deciding the outcome of the match is the battle between rooney and campbell.

When I went to see arsenal play utd last year, I was nervous, due to the sheer quality and threat of the side (tevez, ronaldo, rooney and berbatov) but this year I’m excited. Its a proper contest, and your midfield is average at best.

Rooney carries utd in a similar way that Fabregas carries arsenal, the only difference between them is that fabregas can read and write.
jimmythegent January 29, 2010 at 5:19 pm: I’ve heard it is Wayne Bridges bird, she is a sort though!
Mike January 29, 2010 at 5:24 pm: Ok so Rooney is sure to score a couple of goals on Sunday because he has scored goals this season? So Arsenal will score three because they are averaging three at home this season, Arsenal to win then? Fabregas scoring two because he’s scoring too?

This is along the lines of your reasoning, you are an idiot!
Joel January 29, 2010 at 5:27 pm: Vermaelen didnt break his leg, he could be back. But even if he isn’t, Sol’s shown he can do the job. Rooney is in pretty good form but CESC FABREGAS is in better form, and I can’t wait for him to have a go at United’s defense, who is again without Ferdinand. Sol Campbell should handle Rooney, but Im not sure Wes Brown can handle Captain Cesc. Best player in the Premier League right now is Fabregas, and give him a proper center forward in Bendtner and Song back in midfield and suddenly we have a stronger team that outclassed United at Old Trafford earlier this season. Remember, Cesc was out injured and didnt play in that game and we still should have won. With Cesc this time around, at home, I’m expecting 3 points.
saif January 29, 2010 at 5:39 pm: MAN U why DONT stop doing the talking and let the players do the talking at the match on sunday.IN ARSENE WE TRUST,KEEP THE FAITH YOU GOONERS.
saif January 29, 2010 at 5:42 pm: and why dont you man united fans stop talking about the past cause its all BULLSHIT.OH YEAH,IF I REMEMBER,ARSENAL DID WIN THE TITLE AT OLD TRADFORD SOME YEARS AGO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !
king gooner January 29, 2010 at 6:20 pm: dont you just HATE MANURE ! & their muppet fans-er dave-hello?you are avin a larf about ref favouritism?i can guarrantee you,if you took a poll of independent footie fans you’d soon find out who the refs darlings are son! it’s prob going to be mike “i luv MANURE”riley-& another dodgy penalty to get you out of jail!!lol!
Hugo January 29, 2010 at 7:10 pm: Actually Campbell has looked pretty solid so far, espescially considering how little he’s played recently. And he has been widely praised, espescially after the Stoke game. Yes Rooney’s form but is Cesc Fabregas not? United fans should be worried at how much Rooney is carrying them at the moment, an injury to him would leave them floundering. and before any of them respond by saying th same about Arsenal with a Fabregas injury, he just missed a month and we got by just fine with a ready-made replacement in Ramsey.

Also, the (il)literacy of certain people on here depresses me. Go to school United man.

Finally, any United fan moaning about other teams getting preferential treatment from referees at home is about as absurd as things get!
Bobby Dazzler January 29, 2010 at 7:13 pm: OK just responding to what the article was actually about…..You talk about the battle between Rooney and Sol (if he plays) which in all fairness Rooney will more than likely win given his exellent form and the fact he is class, no arguement there but what about arshavin against Rafael… I know who my money is on!! and the fact that theres no Ferdi! also now that song is back not only will Sol have better cover but Fabregas, Arshavin and co will have more freedom going forward and with the areal threat and hold up play of bendter thats been sorely missed of late this line up is more than capable of beating a team that has lost a few already on their travels, Im not saying Arsenal definately will win but to say they have no chance is really quite a dim thing to say!
Keep up the good work stretty benders!
DJ January 29, 2010 at 7:17 pm: Wow. A speculative article. Thanks for wasting my time.
casta January 29, 2010 at 7:40 pm: we going to beat the hell out of ya arsenal funs,watch and see! with nani and rooney at there best! I Doubt if ya will survive,lets wait and see!
Gooner January 29, 2010 at 7:42 pm: Why would United love to play against Silvestre? Last time they played against him at the Emirates, they lost. Silvestre is better than Vidic and he’s Arsenal’s fourth choice.
chika January 29, 2010 at 8:29 pm: this an absolute load of tosh!!!! if u doubt ur team why claim u are an arsenal fan then.

this is a prediction from me whether u like it or not. 3-1 to the arsenal.
Darren January 29, 2010 at 9:14 pm: Nani at his best? we are truly scared, how many goals has he scored this season? 1? Joke player
United fan January 30, 2010 at 1:28 am: Arsenal will not know what’s hit them. We’re going to crush their Blue Sqaure Premier standard of a defence to pieces.

Prediction:

Arsenal 1 Wayne Rooney 4
mohamed ali January 30, 2010 at 2:31 am: ”arshavin with ball ,ooh he outplayed rafael ,gives the ball to fabregas ,fabregas throghballs to rosicky ,clichy runs from the left and rosicky gives the ball to clichy and clichy crosses it every one misses the ball and it comes to arshavin and arshavin vollys it 20m out and goes in to the top corner 1-0 arsenal in the 90th min.”
Angelo January 30, 2010 at 4:59 am: “His vociferous appetite for keeping defenders fully occupied could well be the difference between a win and a thrashing”
Why would any one take anything you say seriously when you don’t even know the difference between vociferous and voracious.
Look it up you might learn something.
singapura gooner January 30, 2010 at 5:28 am: i just hope we don’t play campbell and silvestre in the same team, not enough legs for the entire 90 i fear
Ad January 30, 2010 at 8:15 am: If you mean that Rooney will once again try his old tricks and be diving at the feet of Campbell then you’re probably right. We will have 1 or 2 penalties called against us because of that cheating little freak.
Man U and Liverpool are a nightmare at when they’re losing by the odd goal they’ll suddenly be acting like Bambi on ice. So prone to falling over it’s unreal. Cheating freaks Messrs Rooney & Gerrard specifically!
looneygooner January 30, 2010 at 10:03 am: What a crap article from a crap armchair supporter, you talk tosh, selling Ronaldo because the Mancs need the money, how’s your future looking, not so rosy, Ticket prices rose again this season, Wenger is right one of the top four will go under and it won’t be us, we will have a team to follow in ten years will Manure?. I’d like to raise a glass to the Glaziers, thank you and carry on increasing the debt, soon your debt will be more than the value of your club, you could always try to see if Citeh will lend you any money or pray for a rich sugar daddy.

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