Victory Tomorrow Helps Makes It All Worthwhile
27 comments September 16th, 2006
It’s a game that can define seasons, create legends, and ultimately, win titles. And, before the hyperbole becomes too much, I ought to throw in that it’s my favourite Arsenal game of the season: Manchester United vs. Arsenal, at Old Trafford.
2002. Sylvain Wiltord’s goal means that Arsenal are Champions. And they’ve done it at Old Trafford, taking the title directly from Manchester United. The sweetest of victories in the most hostile of arenas.
2003. The Battle of Old Trafford sees Patrick Vieira sent off and Martin Keown unleash a torid of abuse on United’s penalty-missing equestrian front-man, Ruud van Nistelrooy. Keown is lauded as a hero, and the 0-0 draw sparks Arsenal’s unbeaten run. A run that takes in a record-breaking 49 games, until…
2004. With Arsenal looking to go a magic 50th game unbeaten, the spell is finally broken after Wayne Rooney controversially wins a penalty and later adds a second. Pizza is thrown, and general carnage breaks out. Again.
Last season’s affair was positively tame compared to the legacy it was up against. The absence of the totemic Keane and Vieira must’ve been a factor in that, but Arsenal seemed to put down the game as a loss before kick-off, leaving out Reyes, Campbell, Ljungberg, and Henry. We’re in a similiar position tomorrow, with van Persie and Henry unlikely to be risked, but this time a victory would be absolutely priceless.
Our difficult start to the season has left us ten points behind an in-form United. Beat them tomorrow, and win our game in hand, and the deficit is reduced to just four points. Of course, it’s easier said than done. Even Ferguson himself has written the team off as “in transition”. And to a degree, he’s right. This is a team with new stars that is yet to gel. But the confidence that would come with beating United would go a long way towards solving those problems.
This season so far, we’ve witnessed a side that have struggled to break down teams that park the proverbial bus in front of their goal. But United won’t do that. They’ll come out and attack, leaving space in their own half for us to exploit. This time, we’ll have no excuses.
Whether Adebayor starts alone, or supported by the likes of Baptista, we should go out there and play our own game, and play to win. If Celtic can give United a run for their money, there’s no reason we can’t.
Like I said, this is my favourite fixture. Why? Simply because winning it gives me the greatest pleasure. Let’s hope I’m still a happy man come Sunday evening.
