Arsenal: 4 things we’d like to see vs Manchester United

3. Silence the Old Trafford Crowd

Arsenal’s fast starts this season have made for glorious viewing. The Aston Villa, Leicester and Tottenham games still sit happily in the memory.

In recent outings against Watford, Liverpool and Newcastle there has been less of that due to the quality of opposition and the systems employed by those sides, and starting with fire in the belly isn’t the only way that Arsenal can keep the home crowd silent.

With Ralf Rangnick set to be in the stands overseeing what is considered a new era in United’s history under the Old Trafford floodlights, the atmosphere is set to be fierce. The home fans and the home players will be right up for this. It will be seen as the moment their season can change.

Arsenal want that early goal just as much as they want to frustrate their opponents. Keeping the ball, forcing them to chase and, on occasion, being slightly more pragmatic with their approach can help quell the expectant supporters.

This especially applies if the Gunners do get their noses in front. Decisions on the ball and a subconscious fear within the players sees them drop too deep and invite pressure when they’re in front, something Arteta has come out and said he does not advocate. Passing sequences drop considerably after taking the lead and it encourages the opposition as much as it does the crowd.

How the game is managed both in taking the lead and in a neutral game state is high on Arteta’s agenda. Getting the United players feeling tetchy by starving them of possession – as is the best course of action against Liverpool – will see them change their approach and attempt things out of the structure of their gameplan. The fans will get on their back for not doing enough, prompting them to force the issue and make mistakes.

Manage the crowd and you can manage the game.

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