United v Arsenal - Final Title Crunch - Preview

Manchester United need to get at least a draw out of today’s game against Arsenal to win the Premiership for the third year in a row.

If Manchester United manage to get at least a point from their clash against Arsenal on Saturday, then United will be presented the trophy straight after the game.

Yet, the game against Arsenal will not be an easy one. The Gunners have flourished in the majority of their ‘big four’ clashes this season, including their 2-1 win last time these two teams met in the Premier League.

The gap between both sides is 18, and although Arsenal have very little to play for they will still be looking for pride. This is a side who have won 18 of the last 20 Premier League matches.

Sir Alex Ferguson believes that Arsenal will be keen to help second placed Liverpool. “They have had a bit of criticism recently and they will want to register their abilities on a day when everyone expects Manchester United to win the title,” he said.

Even if Manchester United fail to win this game, the title is still very likely to be heading to Old Trafford, as they still have go to relegation bound Hull City on the final day of the season.

Man Utd can now match Liverpool’s historic record of 18 titles, but Ferguson had admitted that he’d never get this far.

“I never even thought about moving level with Liverpool,” said Ferguson. “My first intention was to win one and break the stranglehold Liverpool had on the title. The big challenge was that first one.”

Fixture: Manchester United v Arsenal
Competition: Barclays Premier league
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester

Date: 16.5.09

Time:12.45 UK 18.15 IST
Channel: ESPN India

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United 1-0 Arsenal

Manchester United are a step closer to a spot in the UEFA Champions League final, for the second consecutive time, following a 1-0 win over Arsenal at Old Trafford. The Gunners have no reason to complain, having conceded only one goal.

United dominated from the start and it did not take long for the first opportunities to arise in front of Manuel Almunia's goal. However, the Spanish keeper was in top shape and blocked several powerful efforts.

But the home side did take the lead on 17 minutes. Michael Carrick sent in a low pass from the left and John O'Shea fired it in the roof of the goal. Almunia did get his hands to it but couldn't sufficiently deflect the shot.

Cristiano Ronaldo almost got a second on 69 minutes but the Portuguese forward hit the crossbar from about 25 meters.

Sir Alex Ferguson's men, with freshly crowned Players' Player of the Year Ryan Giggs starting on the bench, were dominant in all ways and if they have any reason to criticize their performance, it would be based on the fact that more goals should have been scored in this game.

The second leg will be played at London's Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, May 5th.
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