Arsenal are on a rampant run of form this season, having lost only once so far in the Premier League at Old Trafford against Manchester United back in September last year. However, they now have a chance to exact the revenge of that loss which is the only stain on their domestic campaign so far. The Gunners welcome the Red Devils on Sunday, 22 January at the Emirates, and will be desperate to keep their 12-game unbeaten run intact.
On the other hand, a resurgent United will once again look to spoil Arsenal’s record and blow a dent to their title hopes. Arsenal are currently occupying the top spot in the league with ease, having a eight-point lead over second-placed Manchester City. United will be another litmus test for them, as the Devils too are on a run of nine straight wins in al competitions. However, Arsenal will also have to be wary of three of their star players, who must avoid a booking against United at the weekend.
Arsenal trio one yellow away from receiving one-game suspension
Three of Arsenal’s key-players who have helped the club to this formidable form, Bukayo Saka, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes have each accumulated four yellow cards so far this season in the Premier League. And according to the FA’s ‘Information for Players on Disciplinary Procedures’, a player receiving a total of five yellow cards before the first-half of the season, that is throughout the 19 games, will be slapped with a one-game suspension.
The clash against United will be Arsenal’s 19th game of the season, that is the last of their first-half of the season. A booking for either of Saka, Saliba or Magalhaes, or even for all of them would then see them miss the Gunners’ first game of the second-half of their campaign, a trip to Merseyside to face Everton.
Meanwhile, some fans are worried that the trio’s potential suspension if booked against United will force them to miss the crunch game against Manchester City in the FA Cup fourth round which follows. However, to the relief of those fans, the FA’s rules state that a potential suspension to any player which he receives in the league cannot be served in the FA or the Carabao Cup.
Hence, even if Saka, Saliba or Magalhaes are suspended post the United game, they will be available to face City in the FA Cup on 28 January. However, they will then have to miss the Everton game which follows. The trio have been key to Arsenal’s success, alongside others this season, having excelled in their respective duties. Saka, the ever-present winger for Gunners has featured in all of their 18 league games so far, recording an impressive 6 goals and 7 assists.
Centre-back duo Saliba and Magalhaes have developed a rock-solid partnership, with the Frenchman succeeding all expectations in his debut Premier League season. The duo too have appeared on all of Arsenal’s league outings so far, helping their side keep a brilliant 9 clean-sheets across them. It is their this form that Arsenal recently triumphed against Tottenham away after nine long years in the North London Derby, to open an eight-point gap over City. Their presence, as evident, will be crucial to the Gunners’ title charge now.