Arsenal gears up to face Manchester United this Sunday, Mikel Arteta's men find themselves in a precarious position in the Premier League title race.
The Gunners, who have been touted as title challengers, might need to play catch-up by the time they step onto the field at Old Trafford.
The two clubs, once fierce rivals, have seen contrasting trajectories in recent times. While Arsenal has managed to maintain its status as a contender for the title, Manchester United has stumbled, facing what could be their worst Premier League season ever.
Despite promising beginnings under Erik ten Hag in the 2022/23 season, the Red Devils now find themselves in disarray.
Under Ten Hag's management, United has endured a string of humiliating defeats, with their recent 4-0 loss to Crystal Palace being just one among many.
While there may be some mitigating factors at play, the writing seems to be on the wall for the Dutch coach.
However, Arsenal's track record at the Theatre of Dreams isn't exactly stellar. Victories at Old Trafford have been rare occurrences, with the Gunners last tasting success in Manchester four years ago, during a time when stadiums were devoid of fans.
Despite this historical challenge, Mikel Arteta's squad remains optimistic. Coming off a convincing 3-0 victory over an in-form Bournemouth last weekend, Arsenal has now secured four consecutive wins.
Their hopes are buoyed by the possibility of a favor from Fulham, who they hope will put up a strong performance against Manchester City on Saturday afternoon, potentially aiding Arsenal in narrowing the gap at the top of the table.
As the clash with Manchester United looms, Arsenal will be looking to capitalize on their momentum and secure three crucial points.
For the Gunners, a win at Old Trafford would not only bolster their title aspirations but also serve as a statement of intent in their pursuit of Premier League glory.
Meanwhile, for Manchester United, the match represents an opportunity to salvage some pride in what has been a disappointing season so far.