The rivalry between Arsenal and Manchester United is a cornerstone of Premier League history. For decades, these two titans of English football have produced some of the most dramatic, high-stakes, and memorable encounters. The clashes have been defined by legendary managers, iconic players, and moments of sheer brilliance and controversy. This blog post delves into the history of this epic rivalry, focusing exclusively on the home matches for Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, from the most recent showdown in 2024 all the way back to the start of a new era in 2004. Get ready to relive the goals, the drama, and the stats that shaped these classic encounters.
Arsenal 3-1 Manchester United, Premier League, September 3, 2023
The most recent chapter in this storied rivalry at the Emirates was a match that had everything: late goals, VAR drama, and a stunning comeback. Arsenal were looking to make a statement in the early stages of the season, and they did so in a chaotic and compelling fashion. After an initial deadlock, Marcus Rashford put United ahead, but Martin Ødegaard's swift equalizer set the stage for a tense second half.
| Statistic | Arsenal | Manchester United |
| Possession | 56% | 44% |
| Shots | 17 | 10 |
| Shots on Target | 5 | 3 |
| Corners | 9 | 3 |
| Fouls | 14 | 14 |
| Yellow Cards | 4 | 3 |
| Offsides | 1 | 3 |
Arsenal 3-2 Manchester United, Premier League, January 22, 2023
This match was a pulsating five-goal thriller that lived up to its billing. Manchester United struck first through Marcus Rashford, who curled a magnificent shot past Aaron Ramsdale.
| Statistic | Arsenal | Manchester United |
| Possession | 57% | 43% |
| Shots | 25 | 6 |
| Shots on Target | 5 | 3 |
| Corners | 10 | 1 |
| Fouls | 9 | 8 |
| Yellow Cards | 1 | 2 |
| Offsides | 2 | 2 |
Arsenal 0-0 Manchester United, Premier League, January 30, 2021
In a season defined by the pandemic and empty stadiums, this match lacked the typical fiery atmosphere but was a tense tactical battle nonetheless. Neither side was willing to give an inch, resulting in a cagey affair with few clear-cut chances. The defensive solidity was the main talking point, with both teams' backlines holding firm. Manchester United had a golden opportunity to win it late on, but Edinson Cavani put his shot wide from six yards out. The draw ultimately felt like a fair result, but it was a far cry from the high-scoring encounters this fixture is known for. The match marked the Premier League debut of Martin Ødegaard, who would go on to become a key figure for the Gunners.
| Statistic | Arsenal | Manchester United |
| Possession | 60% | 40% |
| Shots | 11 | 14 |
| Shots on Target | 3 | 4 |
| Corners | 5 | 8 |
| Fouls | 12 | 12 |
| Yellow Cards | 1 | 1 |
| Offsides | 1 | 2 |
Arsenal 2-0 Manchester United, Premier League, January 1, 2020
This was a New Year's Day fixture that saw Arsenal finally get a win under new manager Mikel Arteta. The Gunners came out of the blocks with an intensity that had been missing for some time. Nicolas Pépé opened the scoring with a well-taken finish, and Sokratis Papastathopoulos doubled the lead just before halftime. Arsenal's performance was marked by its energy and a determined defensive effort. They successfully contained United's attack and secured a comfortable and much-needed victory, giving the new manager a perfect start to the decade and a significant morale boost for the team.
| Statistic | Arsenal | Manchester United |
| Possession | 55% | 45% |
| Shots | 10 | 11 |
| Shots on Target | 4 | 2 |
| Corners | 5 | 3 |
| Fouls | 15 | 16 |
| Yellow Cards | 2 | 3 |
| Offsides | 1 | 2 |
Arsenal 2-0 Manchester United, Premier League, March 10, 2019
Ole Gunnar Solskjær's perfect start as interim manager of Manchester United came to an end at the Emirates. Arsenal, under Unai Emery, were in a fierce battle for a top-four spot. Granit Xhaka's swerving, long-range strike opened the scoring, deceiving United's goalkeeper David de Gea. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang then sealed the win with a penalty after a foul on Alexandre Lacazette. The result was a crucial one for Arsenal's top-four hopes and a significant psychological blow to United's momentum. Interestingly, United had a higher xG (Expected Goals) in this game, but Arsenal's finishing and a solid defensive performance saw them over the line.
| Statistic | Arsenal | Manchester United |
| Possession | 50% | 50% |
| Shots | 11 | 14 |
| Shots on Target | 3 | 4 |
| Corners | 5 | 6 |
| Fouls | 12 | 16 |
| Yellow Cards | 3 | 2 |
| Offsides | 0 | 0 |
Arsenal 1-3 Manchester United, Premier League, December 2, 2017
This was a classic counter-attacking masterclass from José Mourinho's Manchester United. Despite Arsenal dominating possession and creating an astonishing number of chances, it was United who were clinical. Antonio Valencia and Jesse Lingard scored early goals for the visitors, taking advantage of defensive lapses. Alexandre Lacazette pulled one back for Arsenal, but Lingard added a third, leaving the Gunners with a mountain to climb. The match is perhaps best remembered for David de Gea's heroic performance, making an incredible 14 saves, a record for a Premier League match.
| Statistic | Arsenal | Manchester United |
| Possession | 75% | 25% |
| Shots | 33 | 8 |
| Shots on Target | 15 | 4 |
| Corners | 12 | 1 |
| Fouls | 13 | 11 |
| Yellow Cards | 3 | 3 |
| Offsides | 3 | 0 |
| Saves | 1 | 14 |
Arsenal 2-0 Manchester United, Premier League, May 7, 2017
In this late-season encounter, Arsenal finally broke a long-standing jinx. This was Arsène Wenger's first-ever Premier League victory over a José Mourinho-managed side.
| Statistic | Arsenal | Manchester United |
| Possession | 54% | 46% |
| Shots | 13 | 11 |
| Shots on Target | 6 | 4 |
| Corners | 4 | 2 |
| Fouls | 12 | 12 |
| Yellow Cards | 1 | 4 |
| Offsides | 2 | 2 |
Arsenal 3-0 Manchester United, Premier League, October 4, 2015
This was one of the most dominant and breathtaking performances by Arsenal in this fixture. The Gunners came flying out of the blocks, scoring three goals in the opening 20 minutes. Alexis Sánchez scored a brilliant flick and then a sensational long-range strike. Mesut Özil added a third with a clinical finish. Louis van Gaal's United side was left stunned and had no response. It was a statement victory for Arsenal, showcasing their attacking fluidity and exposing the weaknesses in United's defense. The match was over as a contest by the time the first quarter of the game had passed.
| Statistic | Arsenal | Manchester United |
| Possession | 49% | 51% |
| Shots | 13 | 10 |
| Shots on Target | 7 | 2 |
| Corners | 6 | 3 |
| Fouls | 14 | 14 |
| Yellow Cards | 2 | 3 |
| Offsides | 2 | 1 |
Arsenal 1-2 Manchester United, Premier League, November 22, 2014
A match that was dominated by Arsenal for long spells, but Manchester United emerged victorious. The game was a story of contrasting fortunes in front of goal. Arsenal had the better of the play and created numerous chances, but were thwarted by a combination of poor finishing and an inspired David de Gea. United's goals came against the run of play. A Kieran Gibbs own goal opened the scoring, and Wayne Rooney sealed the victory with a late breakaway goal. Olivier Giroud scored a consolation goal for Arsenal in stoppage time, but it was too little, too late. This match highlighted a recurring theme in the rivalry: United's ability to grind out a result even when not at their best.
| Statistic | Arsenal | Manchester United |
| Possession | 59% | 41% |
| Shots | 22 | 9 |
| Shots on Target | 8 | 4 |
| Corners | 6 | 4 |
| Fouls | 12 | 11 |
| Yellow Cards | 3 | 2 |
| Offsides | 3 | 0 |
Arsenal 0-0 Manchester United, Premier League, February 1, 2014
A tense and uneventful affair, this goalless draw was a major disappointment for Arsenal, who were in the midst of a title challenge. They had the opportunity to return to the top of the table but lacked the cutting edge to break down a resilient Manchester United side. United, under David Moyes, were happy to sit back and defend, and their approach paid off. The game was a reflection of both teams' struggles at the time, with neither side able to find the inspiration to win. For Arsenal, it was a missed opportunity that would prove costly in the title race.
| Statistic | Arsenal | Manchester United |
| Possession | 56% | 44% |
| Shots | 12 | 9 |
| Shots on Target | 1 | 3 |
| Corners | 6 | 2 |
| Fouls | 9 | 12 |
| Yellow Cards | 2 | 3 |
| Offsides | 0 | 1 |
Arsenal 1-2 Manchester United, Premier League, January 22, 2012
This was a classic end-to-end game at the Emirates. United took the lead just before halftime through a Danny Welbeck header, but Arsenal fought back in the second half. Robin van Persie, in what would be his final season at Arsenal, leveled the score. The match seemed destined for a draw, but with just nine minutes remaining, United stole the win. Antonio Valencia burst into the box and set up Welbeck for his second goal of the game, a tap-in that sealed a hard-fought victory for Sir Alex Ferguson's side. The result was a bitter pill for Arsenal fans, who saw their team's efforts go unrewarded.
| Statistic | Arsenal | Manchester United |
| Possession | 55% | 45% |
| Shots | 15 | 11 |
| Shots on Target | 7 | 4 |
| Corners | 5 | 6 |
| Fouls | 10 | 11 |
| Yellow Cards | 3 | 1 |
| Offsides | 2 | 2 |
Arsenal 1-0 Manchester United, Premier League, May 1, 2011
Arsenal's title hopes were all but over by the time of this fixture, but they managed to secure a memorable victory that dealt a blow to United's own title aspirations. Aaron Ramsey's composed finish in the 56th minute was the only goal of the game. It was a significant win for a young Arsenal team, and for Ramsey, it was one of his first truly defining moments at the club. The victory was a rare moment of joy in what had been a difficult season for Arsenal, and it prevented United from clinching the title at the Emirates.
| Statistic | Arsenal | Manchester United |
| Possession | 52% | 48% |
| Shots | 13 | 11 |
| Shots on Target | 4 | 2 |
| Corners | 6 | 5 |
| Fouls | 11 | 13 |
| Yellow Cards | 2 | 3 |
| Offsides | 1 | 3 |
Arsenal 1-3 Manchester United, Premier League, January 31, 2010
This match saw a vintage Manchester United performance, characterized by ruthless counter-attacking football. Arsenal had the majority of the possession, but United were lethal on the break. Two quick goals in the first half from Nani and Wayne Rooney stunned the home crowd. Ji-Sung Park added a third early in the second half, sealing the win. Thomas Vermaelen scored a late consolation goal for Arsenal, but it was a comprehensive defeat. This game was a stark reminder of United's ability to absorb pressure and punish teams with speed and efficiency.
| Statistic | Arsenal | Manchester United |
| Possession | 60% | 40% |
| Shots | 16 | 10 |
| Shots on Target | 5 | 6 |
| Corners | 6 | 3 |
| Fouls | 13 | 12 |
| Yellow Cards | 2 | 2 |
| Offsides | 2 | 1 |
Arsenal 2-1 Manchester United, Premier League, November 8, 2008
In a fiery contest at the Emirates, Samir Nasri was the hero for Arsenal. The Frenchman scored both goals for the Gunners in the second half. His first was a deflected shot, while his second was a clinical finish after a brilliant pass from Cesc FÃ bregas. Rafael da Silva pulled one back for United in stoppage time, but it was too late. This win was a significant one for Arsenal, who were looking to stay in the title race, and it marked a young and exciting team's ability to stand up to the might of Manchester United.
| Statistic | Arsenal | Manchester United |
| Possession | 53% | 47% |
| Shots | 12 | 11 |
| Shots on Target | 4 | 3 |
| Corners | 4 | 6 |
| Fouls | 14 | 12 |
| Yellow Cards | 3 | 2 |
| Offsides | 1 | 2 |
Arsenal 2-2 Manchester United, Premier League, November 3, 2007
This was a classic encounter filled with drama. The match saw a series of twists and turns, with Arsenal taking the lead through a deflected William Gallas own goal. Cesc FÃ bregas equalized with a well-taken goal, but Cristiano Ronaldo seemed to have won it for United late on. However, Gallas redeemed himself in the final moments, scoring a dramatic injury-time equalizer to snatch a point for the Gunners. The result kept Arsenal at the top of the table and was a testament to their fighting spirit.
| Statistic | Arsenal | Manchester United |
| Possession | 54% | 46% |
| Shots | 13 | 10 |
| Shots on Target | 5 | 3 |
| Corners | 7 | 5 |
| Fouls | 15 | 14 |
| Yellow Cards | 3 | 2 |
| Offsides | 2 | 1 |
Arsenal 2-1 Manchester United, Premier League, January 21, 2007
Arsenal secured a dramatic late victory in their first Premier League home match against Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium.
| Statistic | Arsenal | Manchester United |
| Possession | 53% | 47% |
| Shots | 14 | 11 |
| Shots on Target | 6 | 4 |
| Corners | 6 | 4 |
| Fouls | 12 | 13 |
| Yellow Cards | 2 | 3 |
| Offsides | 1 | 2 |
Arsenal 2-4 Manchester United, Premier League, February 1, 2005
While this was at Highbury, not the Emirates, it's a fixture that cannot be omitted due to its immense historical significance. It was the "Battle of the Buffet" part two, a match filled with drama, goals, and intense rivalry. Patrick Vieira gave Arsenal the lead, but Ryan Giggs equalized. Thierry Henry scored a stunner to restore the lead, but a second-half capitulation from Arsenal saw Cristiano Ronaldo score twice, and John O'Shea sealed the win in stoppage time. The match is perhaps most famous for the pre-match confrontation in the tunnel between Vieira and Roy Keane, a moment that perfectly captured the bitter animosity between the two clubs at the time. This game marked the end of an era of Arsenal dominance and the beginning of a shift in power.
| Statistic | Arsenal | Manchester United |
| Possession | 55% | 45% |
| Shots | 15 | 12 |
| Shots on Target | 6 | 7 |
| Corners | 8 | 4 |
| Fouls | 16 | 15 |
| Yellow Cards | 4 | 3 |
| Red Cards | 1 | 0 |
A Rivalry Etched in History
Looking back on these encounters, it's clear that the Arsenal vs. Manchester United rivalry is more than just a series of football matches; it's a narrative of shifting power dynamics, legendary duels, and unforgettable moments. The early matches at Highbury and the Emirates in the mid-2000s were defined by the bitter animosity and tactical genius of Arsène Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson, a period of fierce competition for the Premier League title. The games were often high-stakes, physically intense, and filled with a raw emotion that captivated a global audience.
As the years passed and the two managerial titans departed, the rivalry entered a new phase. While the league titles became less of a factor, the matches never lost their intensity. From the tactical battles under José Mourinho and Louis van Gaal to the high-scoring thrillers under Mikel Arteta and Ole Gunnar Solskjær, the fixture has continued to deliver drama. The games we've revisited highlight key themes: United's historical knack for counter-attacking brilliance and Arsenal's more recent resilience and character to secure late victories.
The rivalry is now about more than just a top-of-the-table clash; it's a test of identity and progress for both clubs. For Arsenal, winning this fixture is a measure of their resurgence and a symbol of their return to the elite. For Manchester United, it's about holding onto their historical status and proving their quality against a renewed adversary. The legacy of Wenger vs. Ferguson, Henry vs. Keane, and Vieira vs. Scholes lives on in every tackle, every goal, and every moment of drama. The Emirates has been the stage for some incredible chapters of this story, and as we move forward, there's no doubt that this iconic rivalry will continue to produce more unforgettable footballing history.
What's your most memorable Arsenal vs. Manchester United moment at the Emirates? Share your thoughts and favorite match memories in the comments below!
%20(4).jpeg)
){kind=link}
0 Comments
Comment