Arteta out to prove Arsenal have learnt Man Utd lesson after tactical diagnosis

Manchester United got the better of Arsenal earlier this season but Mikel Arteta will be looking to address that defeat having pinpointed where his side went wrong

Video Loading

Video Unavailable

The video will auto-play soon8Cancel

Play now

Mikel Arteta previews Man Utd clash

Mikel Arteta saw his Arsenal side lose 3-2 at Manchester United this term after squandering a first-half lead and will be desperate to avoid a repeat performance.

The Gunners, pushing hard for a top four spot, face their rivals on Saturday lunchtime as they reignite one of the biggest feuds in English football. Both teams have fallen away since their heydays but they can still qualify for the Champions League and need three points at the Emirates.

United got the better of Arsenal at Old Trafford earlier this term in what was Michael Carrick’s final game before he handed over to Ralf Rangnick. Arsenal were very much on the comeback trail after a slow start to the season, but are now much more in tune with what their manager wants.

A recent blip was overcome thanks to the win at Chelsea in midweek and Arteta will hope to have learnt from the reverse in Manchester earlier this term. Emile Smith Rowe’s opener couldn’t guide the Gunners to three points as Cristiano Ronaldo netted a match-winning brace but the Spaniard bemoaned certain errors.

Arteta seemed acutely aware of where his side excelled and where they allowed the hosts back into the contest. Now, as they renew acquaintances, the Gunners boss will hope to address those issues. He said following the defeat in December: “Well, we scored the first one and after that we had total control of the game.

“We started to give some very simple balls away in very dangerous areas that opened some spaces for them, and gave them some momentum. We had some difficulties there, (and we) we conceded the goal. The second half I think we started really well again – we had total control, we concede the goal and we reacted really well, we kept playing, and we were dominant in the game.

Will Arsenal finish in the top four? Let us know in the comments

“We scored the second one, and then after that we have to go and show the maturity to going and score the third one. In that moment we did not manage well enough that situation, and we conceded the goal. So, I’m pleased with a lot of things that I saw, but being realistic (after) conceding three goals at Old Trafford, it’s very tricky to get something out of the game.”

Arsenal are level on points with neighbours Tottenham, but sit fifth on goal difference. Their defence has seen them ship goals in each of their last four outings however which will need to be address if they are to see off a desperately out of form United side, who will welcome back Cristiano Ronaldo.

Arteta warned his side however that they will need to be on top form if they are to see off the Red Devils. He said: “I think there are going to be a lot of twists still. That’s what we have to do, perform and play well tomorrow to deserve to win the match which I think will be difficult.”