In the last attack of the game we were reminded this was infact Arsenal vs Manchester United after a flowing counter attack from Wiltord and Parlour was ended with Barthez having a quick snap at Lee Dixon who somehow found himself in the opposition box.
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With seven wins in last 16 games, Arsenal’s campaign has lost its momentum.
Mourinho can, and does, ridicule Arsène Wenger as a specialist in failure and a dweller in the past, but two decades at the same club is not something the United manager is going to approach. Last weekend, the Arsenal FC were comprehensively beaten by their local rivals Tottenham Hotspur, after a mesmeric display by midfield magician and future star Dele Alli, alongside the league’s current top goal scorer Harry Kane sealed victory for the Spur’s, in a soul destroying loss at White Hart Lane. Mourinho bought four superb players this summer, but did not strengthen his team enough in central defence or central midfield.
How often has Shaw played under Mourinho? Had they converted a fraction of these very presentable opportunities, they could easily be as high as third in the league.
Arsene Wenger insists it is not his style to publically slam players in the manner Jose Mourinho has done at Manchester United this season.
AM: Not as much as it should.
Mourinho has publicly written off United’s chances of finishing in the top four, but whereas his side can qualify for the Champions League by winning the Europa League, there is no safety net for Arsenal.
Mourinho was speaking ahead of Sunday’s Premier League trip to the Emirates.
With the Europa League semi-final second leg, against Celta Vigo, on the horizon after a 1-0 win in Spain on Thursday, the boss feels the continental competition offers the best avenue to Champions League football next season. So, going into the match that will probably decide whether United finish above Arsenal, has it been a good season at Old Trafford or not?
It is no secret that there has always been a fierce rivalry between Wenger and Mourinho, which will add another interesting facet to this game.
“We’ve got to treat them like finals”. That helps you perform better when you have your manager behind you. I’d be surprised if Mesut Ozil caused any of United’s players a moment’s concern.
Mesut Ozil is the easiest scapegoat for the lethargic nature of the team. He’s done everything – and more – expected of him this season. Perhaps, one more than the other. I think he is someone who’s an experienced campaigner in that changing room. We are defending Manchester United, we are defending the greatest club in England, one of the greatest in the world. All creative roads go through him. Since then, though, he has relaxed into his role, and is one of United’s most pivotal figures.
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