Mikel Arteta Extends Record Against Ole and Manchester United

Neither side deserved to lose so justice prevailed in the Clash of the Titans involving Arsenal and Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday evening.

The encounter which ended in a goalless draw was Mikel Arteta's third against the Red Devils and Ole since taking over at the club and he did well to maintain his unbeaten (W2 D1) run even as the result was not the best for his side especially at this time.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Kieran Tierney were still missing in action as well as Bukayo Saka who was left out due to a sore hip issue. It was a precautionary move according to the club.

Frankly, the first half for both sides was almost a quiet one except for a few chances which weren't that worth marveling about. We got to see an epitome of mental and physical fatigue in the players as it was obvious that they struggled to make a mark. 

The two goalkeepers had to step in for their teams during what seemed like the biggest threats against them in the opening 45. Alexandre Lacazette tried David De Gea from outside the box then Bernd Leno palmed Fred's shot.

A quick counter attack was launched by Emile Smith Rowe towards the end of the first half but it was curled wide by Nicolas Pepe and that was after Thomas Partey had done similar.

United had their smoothest stretch of the first half afterwards. They were able to make good attempts. Nevertheless, Marcus Rashford, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Bruno Fernández all did not convert.

We were on with a a more brighter approach after the break. Willian had not stayed long after replacing Gabriel Martibelli when he scuffled an opportunity. He later set up Pepe but his goalbound effort got denied by Harry Maguire.

We were the better side but that is not to say that our opponents were that awful. We wouid have been up if not for an unfortunate denial of Lacazette 's free kick by the bar. ESW followed up with another strike that got De Gea busy.

The closing minutes presented some sweet action from each end: Rashford's side netting and Pepe's over placed shot after being fed by Hector Bellerin wouid not be forgotten so soon.

Our new boy Martin Odegaard came on for his debut. Cavani had the last chance of the game which still ended as every other we so earlier - it equated to no goal. 0-0 it was at fulltime.

Arsenal will be away on Tuesday and Saturday against Wolves and Aston Villa respectively. We will reunite with our ex goalkeeper Emi Martinez on the latter.