Manchester United vs Arsenal: 3 things to look out for at Old Trafford

Arsenal put their undefeated streak on the line when they travel to face Manchester United at Old Trafford, a ground they have usually struggled at, on Sunday afternoon.

Arsenal are riding high atop the Premier League table with five wins from five games. After what many have called a soft draw, the Gunners face perhaps their toughest test yet in Manchester United.

While the football from Mikel Arteta’s side has often been sensational, the bad habits that plagued the Gunners last season have occasionally manifested.

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The clash against United provides a serious litmus test for Arsenal as we will see what the team is truly made of in 2022/23.

Manchester United vs Arsenal: 3 things to look out for at Old Trafford

With so much history in this fixture and most of it not good viewing for Arsenal fans, there is a chance to right a few wrongs at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Here are three things to look for.

1. Can Sambi Lokonga do it again?

Against Aston Villa, the 22-year-old produced perhaps his best effort in an Arsenal shirt. But doing it at home against Aston Villa and at Old Trafford are two entirely different propositions.

We have seen what the Belgian can do, and without Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny he will again be called upon to help dominate the midfield area.

Likely to come under serious heat at times from United’s midfield, which has found its groove over the last couple of games, Lokonga and Granit Xhaka will be tasked with keeping things ticking over for the visitors.

With Xhaka playing more advanced this season, the onus is on Lokonga to provide protection to the back four but also to help kickstart attacks. Is he up to it?

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