View from the enemy: Arsenal fan on title race, Arteta revolution and glory hunters

Manchester United take on Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday.

The title-chasing Gunners come to Old Trafford where they usually lose, but Mikel Arteta’s side are looking to do the double over the Reds this season.

With that, we decided to catch up with Arsenal fan and Just Arsenal editor Pat McLaughlin to get his perspective ahead of the match.

Arsenal last won the league in 2004. To change that this year, you not only need to win your remaining matches but hope that City drop points at least one of theirs. Is this Mikel Arteta’s year or does he come second best (again)? 

Pat: “We can all hope but the fact is that Man City are unstoppable at this time of the year and are very unlikely to drop points, so second is beckoning…”

Great Arsenal teams get across the line. Is this a great Arsenal side?

Pat: “Yes I do believe this is a great young Arsenal side that is improving massively every season under Arteta’s guidance. They may be great now, but next season we will be even stronger. City now have a real challenger….”

Who has been your player of the season?

Pat: “Arteta has built a great “team” that all work for each other and it’s hard to pinpoint any one player. If pushed I’d have to say William Saliba with Rice and Odegaard close behind.”

Which United player, if any, would you like to see at Arsenal?

Pat: “Most Arsenal fans would say Bruno but I don’t think he fits Arteta’s ethos. Rashford looks like he will go on forever and could maybe improve under Arteta, but in reality the only one I think Arteta would consider is Antony as he could mature and thrive at the Emirates.”

What do you think of Manchester United a) the club; b) the team; c) the fans and d) the manager? 

Pat: “Heh! I think all four of those are suffering still from Post-Fergie depression. Everyone expects success and seem bemused when they find out they actually have to work hard to achieve it. Like Chelsea, it seems United just keep throwing money at every hyped ‘next big thing’ that comes along but lack any cohesive plan to get them to play for each other. You probably need an Arteta type revolution, but I can’t see any way the fans and bosses would be patient enough to see it through….”

“But as you asked….

1. an over-glorified mess
2. talented individuals but no cohesion
3. glory hunters (lol)
4. He’s not what United need obviously

All-time Arsenal cult-hero and why?

Pat: “Michael Thomas for one of the greatest nights of my life…”

Prediction for Sunday?

Pat: “Easy 3-1 to the Arsenal!”